Steve Harmison to be given North East honour

Posted by The Journal on Oct 16, 09 04:03 PM in Sport

Steve Harmison Ashington cricket hero Steve Harmison is set to be crowned a "North East legend". The Durham and England fast bowler will be given the honour at a special dinner at Newcastle Civic Centre next month.

He will follow in the footsteps of sporting icons like Alan Shearer and Malcolm Macdonald in receiving the gong.

Dubbed the Ashington Express, Harmison will get the North East Legend Award in recognition of his contribution to cricket and the North East of England.

He has been part of two Ashes-winning England teams and represented his country in 63 tests, taking 226 wickets.

And at club level, he has 400 first class wickets for Durham County Cricket Club, including 50 Championship scalps in 2009.

Malcolm Dix, chairman of the Newcastle Legends Awards Committee, said: "Stephen Harmison's contribution to cricket in the North East is undeniable.

"He is a true cricket legend and his record for Durham CCC and England speaks for itself.

"Harmy is a very popular and likeable person and is a very well known figure throughout the world of cricket and a real ambassador for the North East of England. It is for this reason we have chosen him as this year winner of the prestigious legend award."

The dinner will be attended by host of North East sporting stars and celebrities. Other awards being handed out include the Rising Star of the Future and the Jack Hixon Award for Services to Sport.

The prize is named after the talent-spotter who discovered Shearer and also unearthed Michael Bridges.

Last year's winner of that gong was Ashington-born Jack Charlton, who was part of England's 1966 World Cup winning team, along with brother Bobby.

A contribution from the proceeds of the evening will be made to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Tickets to attend the dinner cost ÃÂ£40 each or ÃÂ£400 for tables of 10 and are available by phoning Malcolm Dix on (0191) 267 6342 or 07718 448 057 or email dixysport5@aol.com

Included in the ticket price is a three course meal.

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