A PARISH Council has paid tribute to the work done by a local youth.

Middleton St George Parish Council presented a letter of congratulation and certificate to Steven Howden, 18.

The council decided to make the presentation after Steven won The Northern Echo's Under-18 Unsung Hero prize in the 2005 Local Hero awards.

He was given the award for his work coaching the Under-14 Middleton Rangers football club.

Under his management, the team was unbeaten.

The parish council chairman, Councillor Doris Jones, said: "It's nice that this year the young person award has gone to someone from this village.

"He has worked so hard making sure that kids are off the streets on the weekend and playing football."