COMMONWEALTH silver medalist David Cumberlidge capped a special year when he was named sportsman of the year at the Sport Tynedale Awards. 

The swimmer, who was born and bred in Hexham, was a key member of the England men’s 4x100 freestyle quartet which won silver at the 2018 games at the Gold Coast in Australia.

The relay of Cumberlidge, Ben Proud, Jarvis Parkinson and James Guy clocked 3:15.25 to finish between winners Australia (3:12.96) and third-placed Scotland (3:15.86).

Cumberlidge also received the Tynedale Trophy, for the overall champion from all adult winners. 
The 21-year-old is currently studying at Herriot Watt University, in Edinburgh, and was unable to attend Sunday’s awards night. 

But his father Duncan Cumberlidge stepped onto the stage in his son’s absence.

He said: “We’re very proud of David. He was always a keen swimmer and soon discovered he was capable of doing really well. 

“We’ve always been only too happy to support him, but we had no idea how much feeding he would require. 

“David is extremely dedicated but nutrition, and his mother’s cooking, has played a vital role.”

Sportswoman of the year was Hexham’s Steph Scott, who represented Team GB in the World Long Distance Duathlon Championships, and was ranked sixth in the world in the v45-50 age group.

She was praised for her commitment to training, and determination to succeed competitively.
Young sportswoman was Ponteland’s Zara Naughton, the 12-year-old golfer who won a national tourmanent at St Andrews in Scotland. 

With rounds in the 70s, the four-handicapper has proven she can compete against Europe’s best young golfers this year. 

Young sportsman was Nick Ryan, the Hexham Rower who won gold at the National Championship, in the J18 singles category.

A member of Hexham’s Queen Elizabeth Rowing Club, he was praised for his outstanding rowing skills, and for reaching peak levels of fitness.