Harmison scoops regional recognition

Steve Harmison has been enduring a rough time on England's tour of South Africa, but in the very week that he admitted he would have happily returned to his family in the North-East if given the chance, he has been on the receiving end of some timely home comforts.

At the North-East Sports Awards, held last night at the Seaburn Centre in Sunderland, Harmison picked up two accolades: "Performance of the Year", for his outstanding 7 for 12 in the first Test against West Indies in Kingston, and "Sports Personality of the Year", for his spectacular rise to the position of No. 1 bowler in the world, and for taking an English-record 67 wickets in the year.

Ian Botham, whose record Harmison overhauled, presented the "Performance of the Year" award to him before the second one-day international at Bloemfontein last week. Durham's director of cricket, Geoff Cook, and the chief executive, David Harker, attended the ceremony to collect the Sports Personality Award on Harmison's behalf.

"This North Eastern Award will mean so much to Stephen and his family," said Cook. "No-one is more proud of the region than him. The England fixture list does not allow for too many county appearances for contracted players but we are looking forward to seeing him back in a Durham shirt this season."