A Stanley youth group and a Shotton Colliery woman are among the winners of the regional round of the Nationwide Building Society's National Awards for Voluntary Endeavour.

Organised by Nationwide in association with the National Council for Voluntary Organisations and the Newspaper Society, the awards, now in their eighth year, are designed to reward and recognise local heroes in the community whose voluntary work has made a real difference.

Four groups and four individuals have been chosen to represent the North.

One of the two local winners is the senior member volunteers for Kids United Friday Club at Stanley

The team of young people is actively involved in the planning and delivery of all activities for the club.

Judges commented: "Without their voluntary contribution there would be no junior youth group within the Stanley Youth Centre. Most of the members of the group give five to ten hours a week to the club.''

The individual winner is Rose Newell of Shotton Colliery who is described by the judges as an "invaluable member of the community.''

"Without her dedication there would be no Neighbourhood Watch scheme and crime in her area would continue to rise. Rose encourages others to assist her and her enthusiasm is infectious.''