AWARDS have been given in recognition of people who have made a positive contribution to their community.

Stanley Town Council’s Town Mayor Awards have honoured those who gone above and beyond in terms of service as individuals and to their clubs and organisations.

Brian Harris, chairman of Stanley Indoor Bowls Club, has brought international tournaments and televised competitions to the town, transforming it in to one of the best indoor bowls facilities in the country.

Marshall Lawson was nominated for his work with Annfield Plain Football Club, having clocked up 66 years’ service at one of the oldest amateur clubs in the area.

An award was also given to volunteers from the community resource café, Pact House, in Stanley.

Councillor Joe McMahon said: “The difference Pact House has made to people’s lives in the area is impossible to overstate. Nobody is turned away. It has changed lives and is so many things to so many people.

“More importantly it has built a network of volunteers, support groups, training, youth services, clubs, fund raisers and community groups.”

John Milburn, from Annfield Plain, received his award for more than 30 years of voluntary work in the library, helping people trace their family histories and helping to deliver history projects while Neil Kelly was nominated for his voluntary work over 30 years supporting people with mental health problems.

Awards were given to Joanne and Mark Charlton, who work with young people from Oxhill Youth Club on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Scheme, and Gertie Ayer, from Annfield Plain, in recognition of her 75 years of voluntary work in hospitals.

Craghead Allotment Association was nominated for turning their site into one of the best in the area, having raised money for paths, fencing and security while the Just for Women Centre was recognised for the work they have done over the last seven years working with over 3,000 of the most vulnerable women in the community.

The award ceremony was held last month at Stanley Civic Hall and presented by the outgoing town mayor, Councillor Bala Nair.

Current Mayor of Stanley, Councillor Alex Clegg, said: “Our town would not be a community without people who are prepared to give their own time for others.”