THE county’s sporting heritage was celebrated at the annual Cumbria Sports Awards, with the extraordinary achievements of Rob Jebb highlighted.

Staveley’s Jebb, who runs for Bingley Harriers, is a legend of mountain-based sports and picked up the Special Award which is voted at the judging panel’s discretion.

The 38-year-old has won many of the country’s most challenging fell races on several occasions, with numerous victories at Grasmere Sports to his name, as well Wasdale and Borrowdale.

A  multiple British fell running champion who earlier this year won the Three Peaks Cyclo Cross for a record tenth time, Jebb was thrilled with his accolade.

“There was plenty of competition from a lot of talented athletes so it was nice to receive recognition by people outside your chosen sport,” he said.

“I’ve had a good year and look back on the last 12 months with a great deal of pride, especially after a couple of lean ones with age creeping up on me.

“Winning the British Fell Running Championships for a third time is a big highlight, together with my ninth win at Grasmere as I hadn’t won there for three years.

“And to win the Three Peaks Cyclo Cross for the tenth time was special.”

The Junior Team of the Year went to Dowdales School Year Ten Ruby League Team after being crowned National Rugby League Champion School for the second time in August.

Winning nine rounds, Dowdales won the title after beating Brooksbank School in the final at Richmond Sports Ground, London – maintaining their 100 per cent record for the season.

While the award was collected on the night by coach Russ Walker, headteacher Julie O’Connor spoke in glowing terms about the pupils who represented Dowdales on the national stage.

“I am immensely proud of the 15 young men who made up the side, it is a team which epitomises all that is outstanding about our school,” she said.

“They work absolutely brilliantly as a team and show their leadership skills with their peers across the school.

“They have performed at the highest level in their sport all season and are hugely deserving of being awarded Cumbrian junior team of the year.”

There was further success for Dowdales as student Georgia Stanway won one of five rising star awards after enjoying a memorable year in the sport of football.

Stanway – recently selected for the National Schools and FA squads for the current season –represented and captained England Schools under-15 team during home international fixtures in April.

A further rising star was Ulverston’s Morgan Knowles who has signed a professional contract at St. Helens RLFC after joining the Langtree Park club’s academy in the summer.

Earlier this year Knowles – spotted playing for Barrow Island at the age of 12 – also made his international debut at under-16 level for Wales in a narrow defeat to England.

Natland’s Keith Clarkson has flown the hockey flag for many years and was awarded Volunteer of the Year for his dedication and commitment in his sport.

Clarkson was a founder member and Chair of Cumbria Hockey Development Group and was instrumental in setting up the Cumbria Hockey structure while also umpiring matches.

Full list of winners: JUNIOR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Dean Henderson (Football ); RISING STARS: Georgia Stanway (Girls Football), Jonny Edgar (Karting), Morgan Knowles (Rugby League), Ben Jenkinson (Swimming), John Tormey (Shotokan Karate); JUNIOR TEAM OF THE YEAR: Dowdales School Year 10 Rugby League Team; TEAM OF THE YEAR: Wigton R.U.F.C (Rugby Union); DISABILITY PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR: Nathaniel Pattinson; COACH OF THE YEAR: Paul Bell (Squash); VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Keith Clarkson (Hockey); YOUNG LEADER OF THE YEAR: Megan Lewis (Rowing); COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR: Walney Wind Cheetahs; SERVICE TO SPORT: Ronnie Witt (Angling); SPECIAL AWARD: Rob Jebb (Mountain-based sports); PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR: Cleator Cricket Club (Cricket); SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Lauren Smith (Badminton); BE INSPIRED AWARD: Megan Lewis