Former Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has been named sports personality of the year at the BBC North East and Cumbria Regional Sports Awards.

The accolade comes after Hughton guided the Magpies back to the Premier League in his first year in charge.

Judges said they had been impressed with his "quiet determination".

Other winners included Sunderland legend Jimmy Montgomery who won the Jackie Milburn award for his contribution to football.

At the ceremony, held at Sunderland University, Hughton spoke about his sacking in November 2010.

He lost his job at St James' Park despite guiding the club to the Championship title.

"I think most people felt the same way, they couldn't understand that we were able to reach the targets that we'd set earlier in the season. Of course it's very, very difficult to understand," said Hughton.

"One thing's for certain, come the next day one thing you can do is look forward and that's what I'm doing."

Full list of winners:

Sports Personality of the Year: Chris Hughton

Jackie Milburn Award: Jim Montgomery

Disabled Sports Award: Jade Jones (taekwondo)

Junior Sports Award: Rachel Davies (gymnastics)

Sporting Inspiration: Barry Hudson and Martin Tyler (Durham Rowing Club)

Team of the Year: Newcastle United

Performance of the Year: Johanna Jackson (walking) and Simon Valilly (boxing)

Unsung Hero: Willy Thompson (cycling)

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