THE achievements of young sportsmen and women in Darlington have been celebrated.

The Darlington Sports Winners Scheme aims to recognise and encourage young sports people aged from eight to 18.

A volunteer panel of judges selects the winners each month, taking into account achievement and progress over the last year.

Prizes are given in two categories - Young Sports Achiever Award and Team or Club Award.

Each month the awards, supported by Darlington Borough Council, bring different sports in the spotlight.

The winner was golfer Eleanor Givens, a member of Blackwell Grange Golf Club, who has has improved her handicap from 3.3 to 0.7 in the last year.

The runner-up was golfer Callum Tarren, 16, who is a member of Dinsdale Spa Golf Club.

The Darlington team of the month was Haughton Volleyball Club under-15s.

The awards were presented by the Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Stella Robson, at the Dolphin Centre.

For a nomination form for future awards visit the website at www.communigate.co.uk/ne/dsws/ or contact (01325) 388432.