THREE trophies have been presented in memory of a schoolboy who died last month after a short battle against cancer.

The Master Skills Football Academy in Darlington celebrated its fifth birthday with a presentation evening for 320 children who take part in games.

The youngsters, aged from five to 14, where presented with trophies and certificates by David Hodgson, the former Darlington Football Club manager.

During the presentation evening, tribute was paid to nine-year-old academy member Darren Baker, who died in May.

Founder member of the academy Paul Bielby said: "Darren was a remarkable, brave young man and enriched the lives of everybody who knew him."

Three of the academy's main trophies have been named in honour of Darren.

Awards were as follows: Dedicated players - Adam Simpson, Jack Whittaker, Chris Szoboszlai; two-footed players - Robert Moncur, Bradley Simpson, Joe Watson; skill awards - Sam England, Lee Gibbon, Daniel Groves; best attitude - John Merritt, Matthew Carnelley, David Hill.

Best newcomers - Lewis Durham, Tom Airey, Andrew Grey; top goalkeepers - James Lockhart, Sean Marshall; most improved players - Niall Hanratty, Liam Howell, Sean Marshall; best passers - Matthew Brown, Sam Newton, Ian Smuthwaite.

Sports personalities - Robert Spereall, Kirsty Lincoln, Kevin Rissetto; team players: Sam Read, Liam Jarvie, Mark Grey, Morgan Edwards; players of the year - Luke Kershaw, Callum Roddy, Nicholas Petch and Adam Hassan.