A MEMORIAL trophy has been created as a lasting tribute to a promising young footballer killed in a car crash.

The Michael Maidens Memorial Award was presented to its first recipient at the footballer's former school this week.

Mr Maidens, 20, died when the car he was travelling in on the A174, near Lazenby, collided with metal posts on October 19.

The Hartlepool United player, who started 11 league games for the club and appeared as a substitute 13 times, was a front seat passenger in a Vauxhall Corsa.

As a fitting tribute to the midfielder, a memorial trophy was created and presented during a GCSE certificate evening for former year 11 pupils of Mr Maidens' secondary school, Huntcliff School, in Saltburn.

Receiving the award, which recognises those who make a large contribution to football, team work and the school, was former student Jack Sanders.

The idea for a memorial trophy came from Ian Malcolmson, co-editor of Hartlepool United's fanzine, Monkey Business.

Mr Malcolmson said: "We thought it would be nice to put a trophy in the school. The other lads involved agreed, so I went and ordered the trophy. It was done at such short notice at TIM Enterprise, in Hartlepool, in just a few days."

Mr Malcolmson was invited to the school to deliver the trophy personally and ended up on stage in front of a large crowd to present the award.

He said: "Michael was a super lad, he was a terrific footballer and we were thrilled to bits we could donate a trophy to the school in his memory, which will live on for a long time to come."

Headteacher Ruth Headdon said: "Jack was the linchpin for the Huntcliff School year 11 football team. His enthusiasm, dedication and hard work ensured they did not miss a match.

"He showed maturity and patience, keeping the team motivated and taking responsibility for all of the organisation. He was a positive role model for his peers and an ambassador for the school."

Jack, 17, from Marske, returned to the school on Wednesday to collect his award.

He is currently studying AS levels in maths, graphic design, business studies and design and technology at Prior Pursglove College, in Guisborough.

He said: "I was really surprised to get it to be honest. I have always tried my best to try and get to every game and I was captain at one point. I was just really surprised because I wasn't the best footballer.

"I didn't personally know Michael, but I knew he went to my school. I thought it was really nice they have done something in memory of him."