ONE of the North-East’s best-known community campaigners has been presented with the CBE for her dedication to the voluntary sector.

Barbara Gubbins, chief executive of County Durham Community Foundation (CDCF), was awarded the honour in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Ms Gubbins, who lives in North Tyneside, said: “It was an unforgettable day. I’m deeply honoured and humbled to have received the award on behalf of many wonderful colleagues, past and present, who have made such a difference to lives in our region.”

Before joining the Community Foundation as chief executive in 2008, she served a number of organisations in the region.

Ms Gubbins, whose mother comes from a South Hetton mining family, became a magistrate in 1997 in North Tyneside where she lived with her two sons. This inspired her to change her career path as she was so disturbed by the inequalities highlighted in the family courts.

CDCF has given out more than £35m to good causes since 1995 and last year gave out a record £3.5m. It now manages 215 charitable funds for individuals, families and companies who want to support their local community.

Ms Gubbins steps down as chief executive at the end of this year but has just become a trustee of the North of England Civic Trust.