THE first Darlington Young Sportswinner of 2000 has been named at a ceremony which saw new awards added to the scheme.

Paul Horsley, 15, a pupil at Eastbourne School in the town, won the award for Taekwondo, having been selected to represent Great Britain in this November's World Championships in Ireland.

Two years ago, Paul, then 13, became the first Young Sportswinner of 1998, having already won the national championships, North-East Open, Midland Open and Scottish International Open competitions twice each.

Runner-up awards went to Amanda Ilsley, for karate, and table tennis player Andrew Leighton.

Andrew is a member of Darlington Table Tennis Club, which took two of the three new awards added to this year's programme.

The club received the team award, which is sponsored by Amec, and the service to sport award, supported by Darlington Borough Council, went to Keith Wilson, a member of the club.

Badminton coach Peter Walton won the first coaching award, which is sponsored by the Master Skills Sporting Academy.

This year's competition is sponsored by Orange.

The closing date for entries to next month's Young Sportswinner is next Friday.

The sports for July are gymnastics, fencing, football, cricket and basketball.

People participating at all levels of sport, aged between 13 and 20, are eligible to enter the Darlington Young Sports Winner Award.

For details contact Janet Cooper on (01325) 388415.