Dig in and chase your dreams is the message from Dan Burn

NEWCASTLE United's Dan Burn has urged the next generation of local heroes to dig in and chase their dreams after scooping one of the most prestigious awards in North East sport.

- By SIMON RUSHWORTH

The England international, former Olympic champion Jonathan Edwards and Great Britain basketball coach Marc Steutel were the big-name winners of this year's Sport Newcastle Annual Awards Dinner.

And world class potential was in focus at a packed Newcastle Civic Centre as the Rising Stars of cricket, athletics, rugby union and more were recognised for outstanding success on the global stage.

"I've always said I'm very proud to be from Newcastle and to be a Geordie and associated with the city," said Burn, who was presented with the Sporting Success of The Year prize after heading the Magpies to Carabao Cup success at Wembley earlier this year.

"It's something that I never, ever take for granted. And I'd say grit and resilience are key if you want to achieve your goals.

"I feel like I've had so many knockbacks but if you want to do anything in your life, you will have to be uncomfortable and take those knockbacks.

"It's how you react to that and I've always just wanted to put everything I possibly can into becoming a footballer.

"I would just say that if you're passionate about something and you love something enough then never give up and keep moving forward."

It was a night of double glory for Newcastle United after the club won Sport Newcastle's Team of the Year award.

The Magpies ended a 56-year wait for silverware and sealed Champions League football for the second time in three seasons.