A LEADING sporting figure who followed the family tradition was given a special honour last night just one day after his father's funeral.

Brian Dobinson was given an unsung hero accolade at the 2010 Best of Darlington award held at Darlington College.

Mr Dobinson picked up the award after being shortlisted for the contribution to sports in the annual awards ceremony.

He has been heavily with badminton and cricket in the town and with the Darlington Sports Winner's Scheme for more than 15 years.

His father, Ken, was involved in Darlington sporting circle for more than 70 years until he died last week. He was instrumental in badminton, tennis and cricket in the town.

The judging panel made their decision earlier this year before Ken passed away.

The overall winners of the citizen and young citizen of the year were cyclist Steve Davies and 10-year-old Brandon Holloway.

Brandon picked up the young person's contribution to the community for his heart-warming story.

His nominee Councillor Doris Jones called him a "very special boy who has a very caring and responsible attitude towards his family and surroundings".

Brandon, a pupil at Mount Pleasant School, conducts his clean-up round the school grounds in his own time, to help keep the area looking tidy.

He also looks after his family including his sister, who has cerebral palsy, brother, who had a car accident, his father, who is disabled and mother, who is undergoing tests for a blood disorder.

Mr Davies has been a member of Ferryhill Wheelers for 30 years. Last year, he won 20 medals ranging from the North-East division events to the World Masters Games, held in Australia.

He was named winner of the contribution to sport winner.

Last night's awards was the fifth time the ceremony has been held. Other winners included pharmacist Margaret Ledger-Scott, who won the Putting Darlington on the Map category, after coming up with a new patient safety device.

Cathy Lund won contribution to the community, Brenda Moss was named carer of the year, Karen Gaylor was named neighbour from heaven and Rebecca McGarvie won contribution to the arts.

Josh Philips won academic excellence, Adam Bainbridge was named student of the year and Noel Hemmings was volunteer of the year.

Sadberge Parish Council won contribution to the environment and Lingfield Point was business of the year.

* For a 12-page supplement, including reaction and photographs from last night's ceremony and full details of all the winners and shortlisted companies, see Wednesday's The Northern Echo.