ATHLETES and teams from a wide variety of sports have been honoured at an awards ceremony.

More than 100 people attended the Darlington Sports Winners Scheme on Wednesday at Hummersknott School.

A spokesman said: "The committee felt that last season's relaunch was so successful they decided not to make alterations to the new season and were rewarded with some very strong nominations.

"This event attracted many nominations covering numerous sports and a huge number of incredible successes - proving that Darlington's sporting youngsters are incredibly strong and improving all the time."

Sponsorship to help the event continue was provided by Sherwoods, Darlington College, Great Run, Serco International Fire Training Centre, Rotary International, Master Skills Sporting Academy, Tees Valley Sport and Darlington Borough Council.

The committee also congratulated its reigning service to sport overall winner Philip Boyle, who received an MBE into the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Young Sports Winner (under 13): Rory Gaydon (tennis). Highly commended, Emily Bearpark (diving).

Young Sports Winner (13 to 19): Matthew Donne (tae kwon do). Highly commended, Ellis Corrie (Thai boxing), Kathryn Binks (netball).

Team/Club (under 13): Spraire Lasses under-ten football team. Highly commended, Longfield School year eight football team, Hummersknott School under13 cross-country team, Mount Pleasant Juniors under-eight football team.

Team/Club (13 to 19): Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College girls' futsal team.

Highly commended, Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College triathlon team, Longfield School cross-country team.

Service to Sport (under 19): Kirsty Lincoln (services to football). Highly commended, Charlotte Arrowsmith (football), Claire Temple (football).

Service to Sport (over 19): Derek Coates (cricket, swimming and biathlon). Highly commended, Ronnie Joyeux and Kevin Bennett (football).