A TEENAGE sportswear model received a birthday surprise when she was crowned July's Darlington Young Sportswinner.

Christina Fossheim already holds the title of Miss Milano Sportswear, and graces the pages of the company's 2000 catalogue.

But this week, her gymnastic skills saw her take the monthly title of Young Sportwinner, on her 15th birthday. She will now go on to compete with the other monthly winners for the annual title.

Christina, of Hurworth, near Darlington, who trains with the South Durham Gymnastics Club, at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, has competed for her club since she was nine.

She trains 22 hours a week and studies at Hurworth Comprehensive.

As monthly winner, she received a £100 sports voucher, one year membership at the Eastbourne Sports Complex and a trophy.

Christina is the North of England Elite Champion, came 14th in the British Junior Championships, and her team came fifth in the British Team Championships.

Cricketer Peter Frankland came second in the month's Young Sportswinner award, which is sponsored by Orange, followed in third by footballer Ryan Wiggans.

The team/club award, sponsored by Amec, was awarded to the Darlington Spraire Lads Under-15 football team, while the trainer award, sponsored by the Master Skills Sporting Academy, went to cricket coach Derek Coates.

Joint winners of the Darlington Borough Council service to sport award were David Scott, for football, and John Gent, for cricket.

Entries are now being encouraged for the September awards, which will recognise achievements in swimming, boxing, cycling, volleyball and water sports. People aged 11 to 20, who live or train with a club based in the Darlington borough, can be nominated.

For information, contact Janet Cooper on (01325) 388415.