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This is the moment when Rafa Benitez collects his first piece of silverware as Newcastle United manager.

The Spaniard was awarded the Newcastle Sports Personality of the Year Award by Sport Newcastle - an organisation which raises funds for local athletes to achieve their goals.

Benitez couldn’t be at the dinner to collect his trophy as his side were getting ready to face Reading in a Championship fixture - a game they drew 0-0.

But he was handed the award ahead of the dinner and said: “Thank-you very much, it is a great honour for me to receive this award.

“On behalf of not just myself but my staff and players because when the manager receives this kind of award it means a lot of people have been helping him to do what he is doing because they have to follow you.

“Sorry about not being there as you know we are quite busy but I think it is a great thing to do this for the community and young people.”

Newcastle youngster Daniel Barlaser was awarded the Wor Jackie trophy for Outstanding Young Talent and Callum Roberts was handed the Jack Hixon trophy.

Barlaser came straight from an under-23 fixture to collect his award while Callum Roberts is currently enjoying a loan spell at Scottish side Kilmarnock. It was the 50th anniversary dinner for Sport Newcastle.