QUOITS stalwart Richard Macdonald has been crowned sports personality of the year. 

The traditional game has been a firm fixture in farming communities for generations.

But in the late 1980s, local teams were struggling for numbers, and there were concerns over the future of the game in the area. 

Over the past 30 years, the man affectionately known as ‘Macca’ has transformed the Allen Valley Quoits League.

Numbers have increased, and quoits is played regularly at village halls, pubs, and other venues. 

The Egger UK services to sport, unsung hero award, went to George Doody - a stalwart of Hexham Rowing Club for more than two decades. 

A rower who went on to become captain of the club, George was known as the life and soul of Hexham RC, repairing boats and always going the extra mile to help others.

He worked hard to increase membership, and played a leading role in the redevelopment of the boathouse at Tyne Green.