MARK Billings and Danny Crouch have been named the Echo’s first sport stars of the month.

Gymnast Danny has been chosen for the junior award after enjoying a Great Britain debut to remember while rugby player Mark won the senior prize after a stunning season with Rochford Hundred.

And that saw them chosen as winners for the now monthly prize which is being sponsored by Paul Robinson Solicitors.

Danny, from Rayleigh, was the youngest competitor at the International Junior Team Cup in Berlin when he competed for Great Britain.

But that did not stop Danny securing more success.

The British under 14 champion won gold in the all around final before also finishing first on the pommel horse and the floor.

Adding to that, Danny came second on the high bar before taking fourth on the rings and fifth in the parallel bars.

And he remains proud of his achievements.

“It was really good, especially considering it was my first international,” said the FitzWimarc School pupil.

“I was up against quite a few older boys but the team did well too so it was pleasing all round.

“I was a bit nervous but I know how to deal with it and I’m getting used to it.”

Danny trains at the South Essex Gymnastics Club alongside double Olympic champion Max Whitlock.

And the youngster would love to follow in his foot-steps.

“I’m used to Max winning now but it’s still really exciting and I would love to go on and do as well as him,” said Danny.

“I would love to go on and get medals at the Commonwealth Games, the Worlds and Olympics.”

But it has also been a memorable time for Mark who bagged 41 tries as Rochford Hundred won the London Two North East title without losing a single game.

Rochford also picked up every bonus point on offer.

And Mark relished his role in the success.

“It’s been an incredible season with many, many ups and it’s been very enjoyable too,” said Mark.

“It’s nice to get the ball and I’m enjoying my rugby again.

“The reason I went to Rochford in the first place was because I’d lost my love for rugby but I’m really enjoying it again.”

“Things are on the up at the club and the infrastructure is in place too.”

And Mark hopes that will result in another successful season next time around.

“We’re ambitious and we will want promotion again,” said the full-back.

“What I’m hearing behind the scenes is that the club want even stronger players and that’s only going to push the ones that are already there which will make us stronger.”

>To nominate your sports star for next month’s awards, both junior and senior, email chris.phillips@newsquest.co.uk before the Friday, June 22 deadline.