A YOUNG footballer, who has been snapped up by a North-East Premiership club, has been named Teesdale's junior sports personality of the year.

Tony McMahon, 16, from Evenwood, was awarded the accolade by Teesdale District Council after impressing judges with his footballing and cricket skills. The youngster plays football for Middlesbrough Football Club's youth team, and has just been given a three-year contract with the club, which starts in July.

Tony has also played for the England Under-16 squad and is a member of Evenwood Cricket Club. He was nominated for the award by PE teacher Caroline Slaine, who teaches at Staindrop Comprehensive School, which he attends.

Rugby player Rob Andrew presented Tony with his award at a Teesdale Sports Centre, in Barnard Castle.

Tony said: "I am really pleased that I won. I have never won anything like this before. I have been playing cricket and football since I was little. I really want to be a professional football player so I'm looking forward to starting at Middlesbrough FC."