BANK staff from around the North-East have been rewarded for the personal investments they have made in their communities.

Each year, Barclays Bank recognises the individuals and teams who have made extraordinary contributions to their communities, customers and colleagues.

This year's awards ceremony - known as the Chairmans' Award for Community - was held at Beamish Museum, Stanley, County Durham.

Ruth Baker, of Barclays Sunderland Contact Centre, was chosen as one of four winners for organising a shoe box appeal, Halloween party and a children's Christmas party, as well as a number of fundraising events.

Another winner was Paul Nugent, of the Northumbria Business Team.

Mr Nugent, who is based in Newcastle, designed and presented a taster session on British Sign Language for colleagues.

A regional Pos+Ability Champion, he participates in two executive disability committees in London.

The North-East and Yorkshire Larger Business Team was highly commended for their support for Gateshead Family Resource Centre, as well as spending three days creating a new garden at the Orchard Project.

Gillian Bell, of Barclays Newcastle Percy Street branch, was highly commended for raising £4,603 for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Barclaycard Centre staff from the bank's Stockton branch were highly commended for working with the community.

They also raised £58,016 last year, of which £27,706 was matched pound-for-pound by Barclays.

Barclays community manager Stella McRae said: "It is an annual event to recognise the good work that our employees do in the community, a lot of it of their volition.

"The bank will support them in everything they do to help them give back something to the local community."

David Kelly, managing director of Newquest (North-East), The Northern Echo's parent company, one of the judges, said: "I was amazed at the volume and the quality of input of what is going on all over Barclays.

"It is a phenomenal reminder to companies about the kind of community commitment that can be made, that is hugely valuable."

The winners received £250 for a charity of their choice and will go on to the national finals.