THE previously unsung heroes of Stockton were honoured by their mayor on Wednesday, June 3.

A highly popular winner of Stockton Borough Council's Civic Awards was an inspirational group of young carers, who look after their own parents but who come together to help other youngsters.

There were seven award categories:

- The Carer/Foster Carer Award went to Angela Stackhouse from Thornaby for being an excellent foster care ambassador with her husband John.

- David Saddington, 21 from Norton won the Green Award for influencing UK government policy through the work of his own eco social enterprise and fronting a media campaign that reached more than three million people.

- The Young Person’s Award went to Young Carers Aloud!, a group of young people who look after their parents but who get together to raise awareness of young carers.

-The Service to Community Award for groups went to the Shri Guru Nanak Gurdwara and Sikh Community Centre which provides a free kitchen service for the homeless and respite care for children with complex needs.

- The Health and Wellbeing Award went to two nominees; Glen Johnstone for his work Our Place Stockton, an out of hours support group for adults and Jean Clift runs who the Yarm Association for the Widowed..

- Stockton resident Joanna Wake scooped the Service to Community Award for business.

- The Service to Community Award for Individuals went to Reverend Derek Rosamond, vicar of Saint Paul’s Church Newtown, Stockton.

The Mayor, Councillor Barbara Inman, who presented the winners with their awards at the Council’s Annual Meeting at Billingham Forum, said: “They all set an inspiring example."