Nobby Scoops Top Gong

By Anthony Marshall

United captain Kevin Nolan was named Sports Personality of the Year at Monday night's annual Sport Newcastle Awards.

The midfielder has been inspirational over the past two seasons, scoring 18 goals as the Magpies sealed the Championship title last term, before following it up with 11 more so far this season.

And he was deservedly rewarded in front of more than 500 people at the city's Civic Centre, picking up the main accolade.

Nolan, 28, was not the only Newcastle United award winner, however, with three of the club's next generation also receiving recognition for their talent.

Seventeen-year-old goalkeeper Jak Alnwick, who has represented England at Under 16, Under 17 and Under 18 level, was presented with the Wor Jackie Trophy, marking him out as the rising star of football.

England Under 16 striker Adam Campbell scooped the Jack Hickson Award as the North East's outstanding young footballer, having won the most valuable player and golden boot awards at the Nike World Finals in Manchester.

Full-back Paul Dummett, 19, who has captained the reserves this season and played for Wales Under 21s, was named as one of 12 Rising Stars.

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United Life President, and former chairman, Sir John Hall also received a special award to recognise his contribution to local sport.