FOURTEEN community champions have been honoured for their voluntary and charitable efforts.

Durham County Council awarded its Chairman’s Medal to one person or group from each of its Area Action Partnership (AAP) areas in a ceremony at County Hall.

The 14 were chosen from around 150 nominations and the medals were presented by Councillor John Robinson, the council’s vice-chairman.

Coun Pauline Charlton, the council chairman, 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.

“Nominations are continuing to increase every year and whether it’s individuals who strive to represent the views and interests of others or organisations which help bring the community together, all of those honoured have done something very special for their local area.

“They should all be incredibly proud of their achievements.”

The Chairman’s Medal winners were: Susan Smith, 4 Together Partnership; Vera Barber, Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP; Dermot McCabe, Chester-le-Street AAP; Food 4 U, Derwent Valley AAP; British Red Cross Mobility Aids Team, Durham City AAP; East Durham Heritage Group, East Durham AAP; Mary Robinson, East Durham Rural Corridor AAP; Lifeline Community Action, Great Aycliffe and Middridge AAP; Mick Henderson, Mid Durham AAP; Carmel Connolly, Spennymoor AAP; Blanche Beer, Stanley AAP; Sandra Moorhouse, Teesdale AAP; Colin Hemingway, Three Towns AAP; and Gwen Bright, Weardale AAP.