A WOMAN has been honoured for her dedicated voluntary work helping young people in a North-East community.

Donna Bruce, from Nettlesworth, Chester-le-Street, was named as the Volunteer of the Year at the inaugural County Durham Volunteering Awards tonight (Thursday October 16)

She works as a volunteer for Nettlesworth Youthie, giving young people somewhere to meet off the streets, and, according to Cestria Housing, has helped significantly cut anti-social behaviour in the area.

The nomination for the mother-of-four said: “This person is passionate and positive about her community.

“Her passion is infectious, nothing is a problem, nothing is too much trouble.

“She sees a bright future in everyone and the community she lives in.

“She spends hours planning and adapting situations to suit all ages, cultures and backgrounds.

“She is the 'voice' between the community and agencies.”

The glittering awards ceremony was held at Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham, and attended by nominated volunteers from across the county as well as civic dignitaries.

Ron Hogg, Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham, said: “Volunteers are heroes in our community and I am delighted to have the opportunity to say thank you and well done to all of our volunteers who do so much to help others and keep our community safe.”

The Northern Echo is one of the several organisations backing the Durham Community Action awards which recognise those who give up their own time to improve the lives of others.

Simon Henig, leader of the Durham County Council, said: "We hope that recognising the achievements of young volunteers will encourage more people to seek opportunities to give their time to help others in our communities.”

Awards are sponsored by the council, Banks Group, Beamish Museum, Northumbrian Water, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and County Durham NHS clinical commissioning groups.

Categories include improving health, the environment, local economy, community safety, opportunities for young people as well as awards for individuals.

Richard Evans, director of Beamish Museum, said: “We’ve seen a huge growth in volunteering right across the county and these awards celebrate and highlight the great work that goes on.

County Durham Volunteering Awards – The Winners

* Altogether Wealthier Category – Sponsored by Northumbrian Water

Barbara Ornsby, of Bishop Auckland, is an active member of the Wear Valley Customer Panel for Dale and Valley Homes and has carried out volunteer work for 42 years. She was nominated for her work as a leading representative for housing tenants in her area.

* Altogether for Children and Young People – Sponsored by Beamish Museum

Dorothy Bowman, of Newton Aycliffe, set up the Eskdale Playgroup in 1996, which led to the formation of Junior Neighbourhood Watch, where weekly discos for youngsters raised funds for trips and visits. She has run various youth clubs, helped create play areas and opened a Community Internet Café.

* Altogether Healthier category – Sponsored by North Durham and Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield CCG’s

Mary Moody, of Lanchester, has volunteered at Willow Burn Hospice since retiring in 1989, working initially four days a week, now three. She co-ordinates patient transport to the Day Hospice and is often seen helping in the kitchen or inpatient unit.

* Altogether Safer Category – Sponsored by Durham Police

Theresa Groden, of Sacriston, was nominated by Cestria Housing for the considerable volunteering she has carried out in her community. Along with her partner, she developed the Top House Community Project into a family place for all and has started Bingo sessions, youth clubs, coffee mornings, a club for children, football tournaments and nature walks.

* Altogether Greener Award- Sponsored by The Banks Group

Mary Robinson became involved with Trimdon Community Garden after retiring from nursing and undergoing heart surgery. She teaches local children about planting and growing and encourages them to take home vegetables to cook as well as planting to areas in the community.

* Young Volunteer Award – Sponsored by Durham County Council

Bryce Denholm, 13, of Durham, volunteers with the group Lads Together and was nominated for his considerable work with other young men with additional needs. Many, it was said, would not attend the group unless Bryce was there to offer his support and care.

* County Durham Volunteer of the Year

Donna Bruce of Nettlesworth, Chester-le-Street, for her work with Nettlesworth Youthie. She is also in the process of opening a Community Café, offering hot meals at an affordable price in addition to a food bank.