OLYMPIC triple jump gold medalist Jonathan Edwards led the way in this year's Northern Rock North-East Sports Awards.

Jonathan was crowned the North-East Sports Award Personality of the Year for the second time in five years at a ceremony at the Seaburn Centre, in Sunderland, on Sunday.

He received the accolade in 1995 for his world record achievements, and since then has gone on to gain the North-East's first Olympic gold.

And honoured among the sporting greats were two photographers with The Northern Echo, Sarah Nicholson and Stuart Boulton.

Trainee Sarah was named Northern sports photographer 2000 for her pictures, while Stuart won the Sport for All photograph 2000 for a shot of a schools athletics day.

Last year was a tremendous success for the region's Olympians and Paralympians, with more than 20 athletes representing the North-East at both the Sydney Olympics and Paralympic Games.

The judging panel, chaired by Steve Cram, could not let Tanni Grey-Thompson's outstanding performances - she gained four gold medals at the Paralympics - pass without honouring her with the most outstanding performance of the year.

A wide range of awards acknowledged the huge commitment given to sport in the North-East, with the Teesside Mohawks receiving the team of the year award, and Rob and Winn Bolton the coach of the year award for their dedication.

Other awards went to young cricketer Nicky Peng, disabled hammer-thrower Stephen Miller, Northumberland Badminton Association for its development work and commitment to badminton; Norman Anderson, for his support, treatment and mentoring of many elite and international performers.

Durham County Council was recognised for its commitment to sport and for promoting the image of the county in a positive light.

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation by Laura Milburn of the Jackie Milburn award to Bob Stokoe in acknowledgement of his success in the region.