A host of success stories from Carlisle United's work in the community were celebrated at the club's first-ever Community Sports Trust awards.

The CST, a registered charity that operates from Brunton Park, helps more than 25,000 children and adults every year in areas involving sport, education, inclusion and health.

And the work, spearheaded by CST manager and former Blues favourite John Halpin, was described an an essential part of the club by United director Phil King.

Sales and marketing director King said: "It is a vital part of the club - the part that touches the community the most.

"It has a great impact in Carlisle and across Cumbria.

"It is something the club has to take seriously and put at its core."

Thursday's awards ceremony, held in Foxy's Restaurant at Brunton Park, was attended by the club's owners, manager Keith Curle and his coaching staff, and several players.

Carlisle MP John Stevenson, local business people and representatives from the Professional Footballers' Association and the Football League Trust were also among the guests for an event sponsored by the University of Cumbria.

Sandra Booth, the university's pro vice chancellor for enterprise, business development and engagement, said they and the club had "shared values", demonstrated by the CST's use of the university's business interaction centre in Carlisle after their own facilities were devastated by December's floods.

The event saw Carlisle's captain Danny Grainger pick up the Carlisle United community player of the season award.

That saw the skipper recognised for urging his team-mates to help flood victims in Carlisle clear their homes after Storm Desmond, whilst also making more appearances at other community events than any other Blues player.

Compere Mike Zeller, from BBC Radio Cumbria, said Grainger's efforts after the floods "demonstrated the positive impact the game can have" at a time when footballers sometimes receive a bad press.

"Danny is a very popular player in the community because of his accessibility and approachable nature," he added.

The futsal and education achievement award went to Rhys Graham, a former Trinity School boy who has been selected in the last two England under-19 futsal training camps.

The community to academy development prize was given to Lewis Windle, from Penrith, who was spotted aged eight by one of the CST's soccer schools, and who has come through the ranks to earn a two-year scholarship with United's youth team next season.

The CST's mental health work was also recognised with a mental health football achievement award given to Neil Richardson, of whom it was said his dedication and enthusiasm had resulted in his own mental well-being and confidence having improved considerably.

The girls' football achievement award went to Lisa Belchem, whose determination has seen her progress to the ladies' development team next season, and who was described as "a great example of never giving up on your dreams."

United's walking football sessions for over-50s have also proved popular, with Alan Little, from Rockcliffe, winning the achievement award for that department. Little has been an ever-present since the sessions started in the Neil Centre in 2014, and has represented the Blues at tournaments.

The National Citizen Service Achievement, meanwhile, went to Matt McDonald, whose achievements included the raising of funds for a project at Eden Valley Hospice.