AN EAST Durham grandmother has won an accolade for her contribution as a volunteer with the youth offending service.

Volunteer Kate Fenwick has been awarded the Butler Trust commendation for her excellent contribution over the past ten years as a passionate, dedicated and highly respected volunteer with the County Durham YOS.

It is the second year running the prestigious national award has gone to the service - last year it was awarded to the team as a whole.

Gill Eshelby, head of Durham County Council’s Youth Offending Service, said: "This is a considerable achievement for Kate personally, the service and the county council.

"This is our second commendation and recognises the invaluable contribution of our volunteers – and volunteers in the youth justice system nationally."

The Butler Trust received approximately 250 nominations this year from across the United Kingdom with trustees granting only nine awards and 23 commendations.

Ms Fenwick will receive her award from The Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace in March.

Ms Fenwick, who also recently won a Volunteer of the Year award from CAVOS, is 59-years-old and has been a volunteer for many years.

The mother-of-one and grandmother lives in Wellfield in Wingate and decided to become a volunteer because she worked for DISC, based in Peterlee and was asked to conduct some partnership work with the Youth Offending Service. She recognised the quality and care the service offered, eventually grabbing the opportunity to become a community panel member.

Speaking of her commendation, she said: "I’m very overwhelmed and cried when I found out. I know it does sound like a cliché but working as a team and having that support is very rewarding.

"If you are open to young people and are committed to them you can encourage positive change."