A CENTRE which encourages the whole community to take part in sport has won an award.

Stockton International Family Centre won the top honour in the annual North East Services to Sports Awards.

Olympic athlete Alison Curbishley attended Sport England North East's 18th annual awards ceremony.

The centre, in Stockton, won the Service to Sport Award for being a multi-racial resource centre.

Its successes have included a Pakistani volleyball team and women-only swimming sessions.

Manager Sacha Bedding said: "We are delighted with our award and we have had enormous support from the local community.

"Many of our volunteers work tirelessly to keep a wide range of services on offer and this recognises their immense achievements in doing this."

Olympic star Vic Brown was among the other winners, claiming the coveted Bill Saunders Award for her outstanding contribution to outdoor activities.

Carrie Saunders, Bill Saunders' widow, presented the award to Ms Brown for her 30-year dedication to coaching, fundraising and administration in canoeing and sailing.

The Christine Smith Award was presented to three young people: Christopher Ord; Sarah Jane Price; and Georgia Carey for their outstanding contribution to sport in the North-East through coaching, fundraising, and work in schools and youth clubs.

The City of Sunderland Amateur Swimming Club won the Sport England Volunteer Investment Programme Recognition Award.

The presentation marked the club's outstanding commitment to recruiting and training volunteers.

Westoe Rugby Club's junior section, from South Shields, was also highly commended.