ONE of the BBC’s most respected voices hailed the breadth of sporting talent in the Tyne Valley.

Radio Five Live commentator John Murray was guest of honour at the Sport Tynedale Awards, at Hexham’s Wentworth Leisure Centre, on Sunday night. 

And the local man, who grew up on his family’s farm at Sewingshields near Haydon Bridge, spoke of his pride as he handed out the trophies and certificates. 

Murray, who was in Russia to cover last summer’s football World Cup, and described the action from France as Europe won golf’s Ryder Cup in September, said: “It’s great to travel and follow sport it the way I do, but It’s always lovely to come home. 

“Coming here tonight I saw sporting ability right across the board. This talent is something we should be extremely proud of.

“This has been a wonderful awards ceremony, and it really has showcased what we’ve got here, an excellent sporting set-up and a great determination to succeed from people of all ages.

"I would like to congratulate all the nominees and winners and all those that make it happen behind the scenes. Well done to all involved."

Over 350 packed out Wentworth Leisure Centre for the prestigious annual awards evening. 

Read the full report in this week's Hexham Courant. Here is a selection of photos from the night.