THE fourth annual Richmondshire junior sports awards saw the top accolade go to a rising national and international hockey player from Richmond.

Emma Pledge, aged 15, who was presented with the Richmond duck club award, built on her success from last year, when she won the overall girls' award.

This year's awards, presented at Risedale community college, Catterick Garrison, on Wednesday of last week, were announced in age-related categories.

There was also special recognition for coaching for Mr Dennis Parker, for work with young swimmers, and the award for coaching excellence went to Mr Ian Hamilton for achievements in football.

Coun Jane Metcalfe, chairman of Richmondshire local sports council, which organised the event, said: "As usual, the awards were very well attended by parents, coaches, teachers and, of course, the young people themselves.

"I was really amazed at the rich diversity of sporting achievement by young people of all ages throughout the district. This resulted in about 70 awards being made on the night, covering a huge range of sports from karate to riding."

Coun Metcalfe thanked all involved in the awards, in particular Mrs Michelle Clough, the district council's sports development officer, and the event's sponsors. The awards were presented by Coun Metcalfe and Coun John Blackie, council leader.

Winners. - Girls: under 11, Scarlett Grey (athletics); under 14 Mary Ferguson memorial trophy, Joanne Jackson (swimming); under 18, Nicola Jackson (swimming). Boys: under 11, Ben Jones (football); under 14 Hazel Burn memorial trophy, Nick Zissler (tetrathlon); under 18 Dennis Potts memorial award, Matthew Marsh (golf).

The awards winners are pictured (left) with Coun Metcalfe (left), Mrs Clough (centre) and Coun Blackie (right)