PLAYING in every game during the tournament, Hexhamshire's Edward Common played a huge role in helping England to third place in the World Cup.

And for his exceptional performances across the year, the well-loved youngster picked up the main accolade at the Sport Tynedale Awards, the Tynedale Trophy.

Edward's name was put forward for the honour after he was chosen as the disabled sportsperson of the year, and his achievements in powerchair football this year saw him as the stand-out nomination among the 100 plus candidates.

A well-known figure across the Tyne Valley, Edward's determination to enjoy a sport he loves so much has endeared him to many, and he has again excelled in powerchair football.

Suffering from the life limiting illness Muscular Dystrophy, his muscles have been severely weakened, and eventually his heart will too.

But this doesn't put the dedicated young man off his sport and he trains with his club Northern Thunder twice a week, fitting his training around six weekend camps with the England side at Lilleshall National Sports and Conferencing Centre, in Shropshire.

After captaining Thunder to the National Premier League title, scoring 50 times and being named man of the match by the opposition on 14 occasions, he again travelled with the national squad for his third Powerchair World Cup.

And with excellent performances throughout, Edward was a big player for England as they finished the tournament in third spot.

It had been a year of change in the sport with new football chairs being introduced into the league, and Edward was the first to give his time to help his teammates adapt.

In addition to leading the way on court, Edward always supports his playing colleagues through coaching and offering words of encouragement.