AN UNSUNG hero has been given some overdue VIP treatment, beginning with a surprise limo ride and ending with a civic award.

Unassuming Sven McLean has been a volunteer helper at the Joe Walton Youth Club in Middlesbrough for about 30 years, giving a hand in the coffee bar, reception or with any job that needed doing.

The volunteer with the St John Ambulance and volunteer attendant at Boro home games, was whisked by stretch limousine to the town hall yesterday.

Once there, he was applauded by elected Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon and the full council - and honoured as Middlesbrough Citizen of the Year.

Youth club manager Hazel Morris, who nominated Sven for the award, said: "Everyone says that Joe Walton's would not be the same without Sven. He's a legend round here.''

William Meli, who works with asylum seekers and brings African music into local schools and care homes, received a special commendation in the Citizen of the Year Award.

Liz Chambers won a special commendation, too, for her years of work with the ex-service community. Mrs Chambers, who set up the Middlesbrough Military Parades Association to ensure events like Remembrance Day are not forgotten, is also involved in the running of the Middlesbrough Sea Cadets.

Les Fawcett, who chairs a cluster of community councils in Middlesbrough and is at the forefront of a drive to cut crime and community safety, received a special Mayor's Award yesterday, as did Bob Eastwood, headteacher at Abingdon Primary School, who has been a pioneer of integration.