FOOTBALLERS with learning disabilities have been honoured for their success in an Olympic competition.

Five men and women from County Durham Care's day centres won silver medals and fourth-place ribbons at the Special Olympic World Games in Dublin.

Helen Smith, of the Oaks Centre, Newton Aycliffe, Paul Kerwin, of Jubilee Centre, Spennymoor, William Amos, of Aucklandgate Centre, Bishop Auckland, Susan Hakin, of Wear Valley Centre, and David Bewick, of Pontop Centre, near Stanley, received certificates from county council chairman Alan Fenwick.

A County Durham Care spokesman said: "There were 150 countries at these games.

"To come home with these awards is an excellent achievement. The athletes were welcomed home in style, with cheers and applause as they took their lap of honour at the annual learning disabilities sports day held at the Riverside Cricket Ground.