LEIGH East ace John Woods is the Arriva Trains Conference League Player of The Year.

He was presented with the Conference's most prestigious individual award before club delegates, league officials, RFL President Gary Hetherington and Sky TV at the League's annual presentation night

It was quite a weekend for the centre star who received the Conference League's most prestigious award just 24 hours after being nominated Leigh East Player of the Year and Players Player of the Year.

And to prove the camaraderie and spirit that exists between the amateur game's top clubs, along with congratulations from numerous rivals Woods was presented with a bottle of champagne from Leigh Miners, East's nearest neighbours and closest rivals.

The awards rounded off a superb season for 22-year-old Woods who scored 296 league points from 29 tries and 90 goals - as well as representing Great Britain at Under 23s.

After receiving his award - an attractive glass plaque and travel vouchers donated by Arriva Trains - Woods said: "I am very proud to have been chosen to receive this important award from a League which contains so many great players.

"It is an honour not only for myself but for the East coaches, my team mates, my family and everyone else who has helped and encouraged me this season."

Team boss Jim Taylor added: "John has been a revelation this season. He has worked hard at his game, showing tremendous commitment and determination to score some stunning tries. He is a credit to himself both on and off the field and fully deserves this award."

Woods and his fellow county and international representatives were acknowledged with commemorative shields by Leigh East - Woods being joined at Under 23s by Danny Kilshaw and John Taylor, while Kilshaw, Taylor and Lee Wingfield played in the Championship winning Lancashire side and Kilshaw and Wingfield represented Great Britain in Russia and the Tour to Australia which leaves this weekend.

Young prop Simon Stephens received the Coaches Merit Award after a season of hard work and endeavour which has seen the former Under 18s player establish himself as a regular first teamer.

Dale Keavney, an East stalwart for many seasons, was rewarded with another double, taking both the Player of the Season and Players Player trophy for the second team, with Michael Waterworth winning the Coaches Merit Award for the most improved player.