A YOUNG boxer who has exceeded his coaches' expectations has been named as the Darlington Young Sportswinner for July.

Stuart Leonard, 16, is only in his third competitive season with Darlington Amateur Boxing Club but already has two major gold medals under his belt.

Stuart, a pupil at Hurworth Comprehensive School, took the National Boxing Clubs' title for his age and weight in December, and the top award at the Great Britain Schools Championship earlier this year.

He received the Young Sportswinner award on Tuesday night at a ceremony hosted by competition sponsor Orange.

Second place went to 13-year-old Felicity Jane Hemlin, a pupil at Teesside High School, Eaglescliffe, for fencing.

Third place went to South Durham Gymnastics Club member Bethany Heard, 11.

Darlington Spraire Lads football club's under-14s team achieved double success in the awards. They scooped the team award, which is sponsored by Amec, and had two of their coaches' work recognised.

Mark Scott, a former England under-18 international and Norwich City hopeful, jointly received the coaching award, which was sponsored by the Master Skills academy, with Ron Walker.

Ian Scott, a teacher at Abbey Junior School, received the Darlington Borough Council service to sport award for his football coaching work.

The next monthly award will be presented in September and nominations are requested for young stars in the field of swimming, cricket, cycling, volleyball and watersports.

For more details about the scheme, contact the website at www.communigate.co.uk/ne/darl-ingtonsportswinnersscheme