ENGLAND Rugby Union star Mark Cueto was named the Cumbria Sports Awards' Sports Personality of the Year for 2005 at a presentation dinner in the Low Wood Hotel on the banks of Windermere last Friday.

Cueto, who was born in Workington and played youth rugby at Netherhall, was unable to be present to accept his award as he was preparing with the England squad for last Saturday's International Challenge match against Samoa at Twickenham, which England won 40-3.

But the gathering heard a recorded message of him expressing thanks for the award after his uncle had accepted it on behalf of the Sale Sharks' winger.

The Junior Sports Personality was awarded to squash player Victoria Bell from Carlisle, who is ranked No. 1 in England in her age group of Under-15, following another wonderful 12 months.

Kendal-based Philip Lee, a kitchen porter at the Castle Green Hotel, took the Performance Award for People with Disabilities.

Following a successful season running marathons and 10k events, he was selected to run for England on the track.

He competed in the 800m and 1500m at the Cerebral Palsy-ISRA World Championships in the USA, where he won bronze in both events.

He also competed in the National Championships and came away with golds in both the 800m and 1500m events.

Whitehaven Rugby League Club captured the Senior Team Award after winning National League 1 and narrowly being denied a place in Super League rugby by a cruel grand final defeat.

Other awards made and their sports were: Junior Team Award - Thorncliffe School, Barrow U16 basketball team.

Coach of the Year Award - Tony Tomlinson, a Rugby League coach from the Workington area.

Performance Award - Richard Byers (athletics, Broughton).

Service to Sport Award - Paul Keen (swimming, Barrow).

Special Award Tony Dobbin (National Hunt jockey) Five Rising Star Awards were made to: 1 Max Wiper (Barrow, football/Rugby League).

2 Robert Miller (rugby union, Keswick).

3 Jamie Little (karting, Frizington).

4 Thomas Young (swimming, Newbiggin).

5 Jordie Cooke (trial biking, Penrith).

Stewart Kellett, Regional Director of Sport England in the North West, explained, "I understand the judging was particularly difficult again this year as there were a number of deserving nominations which continue to reflect the successes of sport in Cumbria and the depth of talent in the county.

" The major achievements of individuals and teams are important in encouraging the next generation of sporting stars."