OUTSTANDING members of an organisation supporting families with autism in the North-East have been honoured at an inaugural awards ceremony.
The North East Autism Society staged its first "Star Awards" to mark its 35th anniversary, with workers and volunteers gathering at Sunderland Football Club's Stadium of Light.
The society's Chief Executive Officer, John Phillipson, said: "I am incredibly proud of what the society has achieved and that is because of the outstanding people we have with us."
Society chairman Gavin Bestford spoke movingly about the support the society had given his own son, thanking the staff for their "incredible care and commitment".
The awards evening was attended by around 200 people and compared by former editor of The Northern Echo, Peter Barron.
The winners were: Exceptional Team Member, Kayley Percy; Contribution to Training, Keith Stubbs; Outstanding Leadership, Deb Fleetham; Innovative and Creative Solutions, Lisa Murphy; Rising Star, Ashleigh Pike; Chairman’s Award, Dave Iley; Inspirational Volunteer, Mellissa Mustard; Unsung Hero, Denise Ramak; Best Collaboration/ Partnership Working, Learning Support Assistants, Thornbeck College.