SPORTS volunteers from across Wear Valley were honoured at a special ceremony in Bishop Auckland.

This year is Year of the Volunteer and people who give up their free time to help a variety of leisure activities were given Volunteers in Sport Awards at Bishop Auckland Town Hall.

The event was arranged by 2D Volunteer Centre and the awards were given to individuals demonstrating an outstanding contribution to their club, from coaches and committee members to kit-washers and those who prepare the half-time oranges.

"There are 5.9 million volunteers in sport across the country and this was a chance to recognise some of them," said Nigel Douthwaite, community sports club development officer for Wear Valley.

"Of course there are many others out there across the area, but these are the ones that we received nominations for.

"The work that I do relies on volunteers - I can't do it without the help I get."

A Sports Club Development pack was also launched and was issued to each club at the awards ceremony.

This has been designed to assist clubs in identifying ways in which they can develop.

Twenty awards were given out by Henknowle ward councillor, Alexander Clements.