DEVOTED volunteers have been rewarded for the time and dedication they have given to their communities.

Mary Armstrong, from Crook, and John Niven, from West Auckland, were recently presented with a Local Hero award for all their hard work.

The award was part of the Beyond Volunteering fair organised by volunteer agency the Experience Corps.

Both candidates were nominated for the accolade by their local MPs, Government Chief Whip, Hilary Armstrong and Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster.

More than 90 awards have been received throughout the country by people who have made a valuable contribution to their local communities.

Mary Armstrong has given her time in various roles as volunteer, working for The Butterwick Hospice and Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

She has also visited the sick and elderly through the St Vincent de Paul Society for the Catholic Church and she is a volunteer face-painter at local fairs.

Mr Niven has his own business working as an architect and worked on the recently opened Four Clocks project in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland.

Mr Niven accepted his award on behalf of West Auckland Community Partnership, whose volunteers have worked hard to provide activities in West Auckland.

Mr Niven and Martin Roberts wrote West Auckland in Picture and History, to raise funds to keep the Village Centre open, which is a base for the partnership.