AS the district prepares to celebrate the sporting achievements of its local stars in the Sport Tynedale Awards, the organisation behind the ceremony has received a bumper boost.

For Prudhoe-based SCA has agreed to sponsor the awards for a fourth year, extending the package with Sport Tynedale for a further year after the initial three year deal ran out.

Since coming on board to support the function, which will take place at Hexham's Wentworth Leisure Centre on Sunday, December 11, SCA has been hugely impressed with the sporting talent which exists throughout the Tyne Valley.

Cath Frost said: “We’re thrilled to be backing the Sport Tynedale Awards for a fourth year. The evening is a celebration of the very best of local sport and recognises teams and individuals who have helped put Tynedale on the map through their dedication and sporting excellence.

"Prudhoe Mill has been a long-term supporter of sport in the community through our Employee Charity Committee. The awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the importance of sport at a grassroots level and to celebrate the role it plays in enriching lives of our local communities regardless of age or ability.”

Sport Tynedale Edward Heslop thanked the company for its donation, underlining the importance businesses like this play on the organisation which awards grants to local sports people and coaches to help them develop in their chosen sport.

He said: "We're not just delighted with the sponsorship, but the continued support from SCA in seeing what we do and how we can play a little part in people's development.

"The awards are going from strength-to-strength, and that is down to the material we have tow work with because the level of nominations is so high."

Nominations for the 2016 awards are currently open, and will close on November 4. Forms can be submitted or downloaded at www.sport-tynedale.co.uk.

A new winner of the Services to Sport award will be announced at the ceremony, the trophy introduced to the ceremony in 2013 as a result of SCA's contribution.

Last year, the award went to Riding Mill Tennis Club's leading light Rob Archer who was overjoyed his hard work, alongside many other volunteers, went rewarded.

Rob helped save the club from closure and successfully secured grants to oversee the refurbishment of the courts, which is now well-used by all age groups.

He said: "It was a team effort and I was lead, and I was certainly surprised to win the award given the calibre of people up for the award.

"We had to put in two lottery bids to get the club back up-and-running and open it up for a multi use games area, and the club has gone from strength-to-strength with 65 members.

"I just did it at the time and I didn't think of any awards at the end of it, but to get one certainly puts a smile on your face."