AWARDS have been given to people and groups from the North-East in recognition of the contribution they have made to their community.

A celebration evening was held in honour of 14 local champions who received County Durham’s top award at County Hall.

The Chairman’s Medal, the highest honour Durham County Council can bestow, was presented to individuals and organisations from throughout the county for their outstanding voluntary and charitable efforts.

They were handed over on Friday by council chairman, Councillor John Robinson, following nominations made to the 14 Area Action Partnerships.

Cllr Robinson said: “There are so many unsung heroes in County Durham who do things for their community that can often go unnoticed.

“It’s wonderful that the Chairman’s Medal can reward them for this while at the same time highlighting their causes and bringing them to the public’s notice.

“We had so many wonderful nominations that choosing a champion for each specific AAP proved extremely difficult and I’ve got to stress that I am indebted to the independent panel of judges who helped make the final decisions.

“It felt like a no-win situation at times, and as in all decisions such as this, some people will have been left disappointed to have missed out and I can fully understand this.”

Stanley community stalwart Tina Parry received a medal for her efforts to tackle anti social behaviour.

She helped with constitutions, assisted groups apply and secure funding and provided policy advice, helping hundreds of groups to make a difference in their neighbourhoods.

As an active volunteer, she helped form a new Youth Café to address the need for Friday evening activity in Stanley town centre for young people.

Cllr Robinson said: “Decisions have to be made and after considerable soul searching the judging panel settled for what they believe are the most worthy recipients.

“Everyone who was nominated should be incredibly proud of their achievements.”

The Salvation Army in Consett, which was founded 1878, has been honoured for it's continuing work supporting people in need.

It helps many local organisations to provide drug and alcohol support services, works with offenders, families in need, and the elderly.

Captain Heather Alston, of Consett Salvation Army, said: “It was a privilege to receive the Chairman's Medal on behalf of the Consett Corps.

“My thanks go to all those Salvationist's and friends who work within the corps programme enriching the lives of others."

The 14 champions are: Thomas Stoddart, Derrick Robinson,

Pelton Community Association, Consett Salvation Army, Win Colman, The Welfare Champions, Geoff Appleton, Susan Sadler, Mary Tribe, Hugh Stephenson, Tina Parry, Gladys and Peter Stubbs, Harold Wilsher and Stanhope Pool.

The Northern Echo:

PRESENTATION: Because of illness Susan Sadler's husband Ken collected the Chairman’s Medal on her behalf Picture: Keith Taylor

AFTER starting up a small group at her home to help people facing tough times, Susan Sadler founded the charity Lifeline Community Action.

The Newton Aycliffe-based charity has gone on to help more than 3,000 people and families suffering from poverty, ill health, unemployment and isolation.

And for all of her sterling work, Mrs Sadler was nominated by Camilla Louise Shergold and put forward by

Great Aycliffe and Middridge Area Action Partnership for the Chairman’s Medal.

Mrs Sadler has instilled her Christian ethos to the volunteers so they give a warm welcome and encouragement to those who turn to the charity for help, often in a desperate situation.

Helping Hands, which is part of the project, offers emergency food and basic goods parcels, and a drop-in centre provides a haven for those requiring  support, advice and assistance with their varying and critical needs.

Mrs Sadler has introduced the ‘developing people’ initiative to help those coming through her doors to find work, improve their physical health and learn practical life skills so they become more independent and resilient.

Chairman of Durham County Council, Cllr John Robinson, said: “Susan’s the inspiration and driving force behind all this work and saved many an individual or family from hitting rock-bottom and at times the depths of despair. 

“The Chairman’s Medal was introduced to honour people such as Susan and she is a very worthy recipient.”

The Northern Echo:

Hugh Alexander collects the Chairman’s Medal from the Chairman of Durham County Council, Cllr John Robinson Picture: Keith Taylor

WHEN it comes to fundraising Hugh Stephenson is a natural.
Over the last three decades he has raised almost £200,000 for local charities and voluntary organisations throughout County Durham.
He has been a great ambassador for the brass band movement and among those to benefit are Spennymoor Town Band.
Mr Stephenson, of Buttermere, Spennymoor, has been a member of the band for 31 years, 21 as secretary, and in 1995 he secured a £50,000 National Lottery grant for new instruments. 
He has also raised funds for St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Byers Green Methodist Church, Jubilee Park Playgroup, Byers Green youth football teams and both Tudhoe and Coxhoe cricket clubs along elderly people’s homes, churches, schools and other charities.
Chairman of Durham County Council, Cllr John Robinson, said: “Hugh is well known for his fundraising exploits. 
"He’s brought the top brass bands to the region raising around £15,000 and last year raised over £5,500 for the County Durham Brass Band Association, securing the organisation’s future for many years.”
He was nominated by wife Beverley Stephenson and put forward by Spennymoor Area Action Partnership for the Chairman’s Medal.
Mr Stephenson said: “I’m obviously delighted to be recognised in this way but have always found my fundraising and community a hobby.
"Brass bands have played a big part in my life for over 40 years and my current mission is the promotion of free brass tuition for children and young people by Spennymoor Youth Band.”