THE sterling efforts of a dedicated County Durham tennis coach and official have been recognised with the presentation of a new award.

Brian Thompson, a retired teacher from Shotley Bridge, Consett who has chalked up 40 years of service to the sport, received the first-ever Champion of Grassroots Sport Award at the Sport Newcastle dinner at St James' Park.

The award, sponsored by the Evening Chronicle, was the first public recognition for his work developing tennis in the region.

Mr Thompson said: "The award is open to all sports, so this is extra pleasing as a tennis person. It's also open to a wide area, so it's also pleasing as a County Durham person.

"To me, it represents a reward for all the people who have supported my efforts over the years."

He first played tennis in Wolsingham aged 15, but could not play at school because cricket was the only summer sport for boys at Wolsingham Grammar. He joined Shotley Bridge tennis club in 1960 and first played competitive team tennis two years later.

Mr Thompson first became involved as an administrator in 1961 and gained official coaching certificates in 1967 and 1969