Two worthy winners shared the sporting honours at tonight's 2015 Golden Apple Awards.

Beckstone Primary School in Harrington, Workington and a north Cumbrian coaching scheme were the joint winners of the new sporting achievement award handed out at Carlisle Racecourse.

The west Cumbrian primary school was recognised at the CN Group Education and Learning Awards for the way it embeds sports and activity into all aspects of pupils' lives, whatever their ability or age.

The school also performs well in sporting competitions with no less than five teams in Cumbrian finals during the last academic year. Sixty per cent of its pupils also attend regular after-school sports clubs.

The Cumbria Sport and Physical Activity Alliance Foundation also impressed the Golden Apple Awards judging panel with the development of a coaching programme backed by businessman Fred Story.

The foundation's coaches held regular sessions at a number of primary schools, aiming to provide pupils with a rare opportunity to try new sports or activities.

Many schools were initially selected because they did not have access to a variety of different sports on their curriculum. They were often smaller schools or located in more rural or isolated areas too.

The scheme later expanded to include more schools and it operated over a larger geographical area.

Coaches on the scheme were praised by school leaders for their professionalism and for the way they acted as role models to young pupils.

Sporting achievement was one of 19 categories rewarding excellence, dedication and achievements across the county at the 2015 CN Group Education and Learning Awards.

The sixth annual awards, sponsored by Inspira and the University of Cumbria, honoured local education, training and skills heroes from across all areas of learning and community life.

Categories highlighted lifelong learning opportunities and voluntary endeavours as well as traditional achievements in academic and vocational fields.

Tributes were also paid to all the staff, individuals and teams who dedicate themselves to supporting and helping our learners and children excel and succeed.

More than 200 finalists and guests attended a gala evening at the racecourse where award winners were announced. Cumbrian broadcaster Caz Graham was the compère and host.

Judging took place in August. Mark Bowman, from Inspira, Professor Liz Beaty, from the University of Cumbria, retired primary school headteacher Sue Hatt, retired Furness College principal Anne Attwood and education reporter Kelly Pattison were on the judging panel.

The panel was chaired by Marie Whitehead, director of cn events, part of CN Group.

The Cumberland News is published by Cumbrian Newspapers, part of CN Group.

The 2015 winners: 

Learner of the Year: Alistair Kirk, Barrow Sixth Form College

Support Staff of the Year: Megan Hughes, Furness College, Barrow

Community Involvement: Maryport Extended Schools Partnership

Technology in Learning: Caroline Jourdain, Mayfield School, Whitehaven

Teaching Assistant: Alison Harper, Mayfield School, Whitehaven

Award for Enterprise: Graduates Restaurant, Lakes College, Lillyhall

Sporting Achievement: Beckstone Primary School / Sport & Physical Activity Alliance Foundation

Award for Youth: Catherine Moss-Luffrum, Tullie House, Carlisle

Against All Odds: Matthew McMorrow, QEGS, Penrith

Apprentice of the Year: Jamie Lee Robinson, Tata Steel/Lakes College, Workington

Inclusion Award: Woodend Country Childcare, Lamplugh

Outstanding New Teacher: Helen Scott, St Benedict's, Whitehaven

Teacher/Lecturer of the Year: Susan Little, Wiggonby CoE Primary School

Headteacher of the Year: Sue Blair, Pennine Way Primary, Carlisle

Early Years Award: Woodend Country Childcare, Lamplugh

Primary School of the Year: Norman Street Primary, Carlisle

Secondary School of the Year: St Bernard's, Barrow

Excellence in Training Award: The Edge, Carlisle College

Judges' Special Award: Joan Carter, Adult Education Carlisle

Lifetime Achievement Award: John Metcalfe, Carlisle