A TEENAGER’S success in the face of adversity earned her the title of disabled sportsperson of the year. 

Leukaemia survivor Alicia Armstrong returned from the British Transplant Games with four gold medals for swimming, and one for running. 

The Hexham youngster was the highest achiever in the 15 to 17 age category, and was selected to compete at the World Transplant Games in Newcastle next year. 

Her achievements came five years after undergoing gruelling treatment and a bone marrow transplant. 

The Stan Calvert Scholarship was awarded to teenage athlete Daniel Joyce. The Slaley runner represented England earlier this year, winning gold in the 800m at the Schools International Athletic Board Championships.

He also competed in the National U17 Championships at 800m, at the age of just 15, and finished second.

Joyce received a bursary for £600 towards the cost of his continued development.

He said: “Moving up to U17 level was a big step for me, and this year I really have come on as an athlete. 

“I want to continue my progress next year. I’m grateful for the support of my parents, and for this bursary, which I will use responsibly.”

Badminton players Lucy Dodd and Charlotte Graham, and rugby and cricket player Oliver Fletcher, received smaller £100 bursaries. 

Kickboxer Owen Richardson, who received the bursary 12 months previously, returned to talk about how it had aided his development.

The youngster, who has competed in mixed martial arts events this year, said: “The £600 helped me with everything from travelling and clothing to getting top notch equipment.”