Anthony McMahon has blasted his way into the record books after hitting an amazing six sixes in an over - a memorable feat which also sees him crowned The Northern Echo Cricketer of the Year.

At the start of the summer, Anthony, of Chester-le-Street, scored a magnificent 36 in six balls, easily enough to win our May cricketer of the month award and a feat which caught the attention of officials at the Guinness Book of World Records.

In next year's release the 14-year-old will be officially recognised as the world's youngest cricketer to hit six sixes in six deliveries.

A 36 run over is something only ever seen twice in first class cricket, by Sir Garfield Sobers and Ravi Shastri.

Father Peter, who nominated Anthony for The Northern Echo honour, is delighted with his son's rapid ascent onto the world stage.

"It has been an amazing year," said Peter. "After being in The Northern Echo we received several phone calls from national newspapers and then someone suggested that we inform the Guinness Book of World Records.

"We had to send them all sort of information, witness reports and diagrams. We're just waiting for the certificate but we've now been told Anthony will be in the book next year which is amazing.

"It has helped his confidence no end, not that he needs his confidence lifting mind, he's that sort of lad!"

The Northern Echo launched the inaugural Cricketer of the Year award in April with the contenders made up from five monthly winners.

Anthony took the May award for his once-in-a lifetime feat which he managed while captaining Chester-le-Street under-13s.

Anthony's feat came at Eppleton, a game which Chester-le-Street ultimately lost, but the outcome meant little after the youngster's innings which totalled 54.

He said: "The bowler was quite quick and probably one of their better bowlers to be honest so it wasn't easy.

"By the fourth ball I think they could see that it was possible what could happen so the fielders closed in and might have been trying to put me off," added Anthony who, as well as the May trophy, has received another piece of silverware to commemorate the overall honour as well as a bat signed by the England and Zimbabwe squads who played in the summer Test Match at the Riverside.

Peter, who happened to be umpiring the game versus Eppleton, admitted: "I've been playing cricket all my life and I've never seen anything like it.

"Junior cricket doesn't have boundaries as far back as in adult cricket, but he absolutely slogged two of the balls.

"He has a natural talent, he just seems to do everything so easily, effortless at times."

Award sponsor Mike Gough, a regular face on the North-East amateur cricket scene over the years, joined in the praise.

He admitted: "It's an achievement I would have loved to have done myself. I think I once got two sixes in an over - and they were two top edges - playing at Tudhoe, but to go all the way like Anthony is a tremendous achievement.

"He thoroughly deserves every bit of praise going his way."

The Cricketer of the Year award and entry into the Guinness Book of World Records caps a great summer for Anthony who enjoyed success on two fronts: both as an individual and with his club.

He finished the season by falling just two short of 400 League runs and with an average of 133 and also captained the under-13 Cestrians to glory in the Foster's North-East Premier League tournament; a competition in which batsmen must retire once they reach 25 - Anthony did this twice in four-game tournament and scored 22 in another match.

In the same competition at under-15 level, alongside players who represent the County, Anthony hit the winning run to win that title.

Anthony's other summer sporting successes came when he beat 60 others to win the Durham County Pentathlon. Representing Thomas More School of Blaydon, the event required participation in the high jump, long jump, hurdles, 800m and shot putt.

The cricket season might be over, but now he has switched his attentions to football and is training three nights a week at the Newcastle United academy where he has been playing for the under-15s - a year above his age group.

A promising midfielder, Anthony has been a part of the Magpies' youth set-up for five years and before that was on Manchester United's books.

Despite all his successes, Peter said: "He's had a great year, now he's just got to get his down and work at his studies!"

* Sports equipment specialists Mike Gough Sports can be found at York Road, Hartlepool and can be contacted on 01429 260227.