SOWERBY’S £5m sports village has won regional recognition.

The Hambleton District Council project has been awarded the ‘land and rural’ prize in the inaugural North East RICS Social Impact awards.

Judges said it had been designed to support the adoption of a healthier lifestyle and will be a welcome addition to Sowerby and the surrounding area.

The project was developed following widespread consultation with local residents, sports clubs and their national bodies.

The former 11-acre landfill site has been transformed into sports pitches, a running and cycling track and fitness trail.

There are allotments, wildlife corridors and landscaping work will encourage biodiversity.

Council Leader, Councillor Mark Robson said: “We are very proud of this new facility in Sowerby which we opened up early for local people to have a place to walk and undertake their recreational fitness during the coronavirus pandemic.

“They have a great new recreational facility on their doorstep.

"It was an adventurous scheme and involved lots of partnership work so we are exceptionally proud to win this award against opposition from across the North East.”

The sports village has been constructed by ESH which submitted it for the award.