A HUGE supporter of local youth sport, Ian Turner dedicated close to 40 years helping talented teenagers develop in their chosen discipline.

A founder member of Tynedale Sports Council in 1974, he played a big part in ensuring local sportspeople were able to continue competing whether it be at a district level or nationally and internationally.

It was the younger generation he particularly beat the drum for, keen to aid their progress by providing what support he, and the sports council, could provide.

Now known as Sport Tynedale, the team behind the organisation are to pay homage to his enthusiasm by introducing a new trophy in his honour at its annual awards ceremony.

Up-for-grabs in 2015 will be the Ian Turner Trophy for most outstanding junior individual or team already among the prize winners on the evening. It is the equivalent of the Tynedale Trophy which will now be just for the adults.

The trophy for the district‘s best junior team, previously named after Ian, will be replaced by the Richard Mercer Trophy, in honour of Tynedale Council’s first recreation officer and the driving force behind the opening of Wentworth Leisure Centre.