THE "pioneering" staff and volunteers of an organisation dedicated to supporting families affected by autism have been honoured at an annual awards ceremony.

The Star Awards 2017 were staged for the second year at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland by the North East Autism Society (NEAS).

And the audience of more than 200 people heard that the North-East is setting the UK standard for support services for those on the autism spectrum.

In his closing speech, Chairman Gavin Bestford said he was proud that other parts of the country were looking to NEAS as an exemplar.

And Chief Executive John Phillipson added: “This year’s Star Awards were our biggest yet, both in terms of nominations received and numbers of people gathered.

"It’s a fitting measure of another year where I have witnessed our workforce deliver excellent services, pioneer new ways to support people with an autism spectrum condition and lead the way in changing the lives of children, young people and adults from across our region.

"Let me take this opportunity to say thank you to each and every member of staff at the North East Autism Society. A mark of a truly great organisation is having staff who celebrate and honour each other.”

The biggest honour of the night, The Chairman's Award, went to Tom Smith, who was said to have enriched the lives of adults in residential care. "He is a person who takes great pride in his own family yet has made sacrifices to bring the very best out of service-users," said the citation.

Roll of Honour:

Rising Star – Verity Graham; Exceptional Team Member – Lee Miller; Inspirational Volunteer – Josh Edwards; Working Together – The Positive and Proactive Support Team, Central Services; Unsung Hero – Catherine Campbell, Thornhill Park School; Outstanding Leadership – Julie Dunlop; Commitment to Excellence in Care – Jointly awarded to Budleigh Road & Daisy Hill, Supported Living and Braemar Gardens, Children’s Residential; Commitment to Excellence in Education – Aycliffe School; Commitment to Excellence in Support Services – Julie Lowery, Central Services; People’s Choice Award – Kerrie Highcock, Central Services; Chairman’s Award – Tom Smith, Adults' Residential.