MIDDLESBROUGH’S newest Boro Hero Gary Hamilton has been praise for making “great things happen” in his hometown.

Every week between 1,000 and 1,500 people in East Middlesbrough take part in activities organised by the team at Active Tees Valley.

The community interest organisation set up in 2016 and later took over responsibility for running the Pallister Park centre and then the Brambles Farm Community Centre.

They are now transforming the Middlebeck Social Club into the East Middlesbrough Performance Centre which will host shows, music gigs and other occasions including dance events.

Across the three venues people of all ages are catered for through sport, activities and social events.

Gary Hamilton from Active Tees Valley has become the latest recipient of a Boro Hero award from Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston.

The Mayor said: “Gary is a fantastic asset for Middlesbrough. His energy and passion for the town, especially east Middlesbrough, helps to make great things happen. To me Gary is a true Boro hero.”

The 41-year-old, himself from Pallister Park, said: “I’m very humbled and this is an award for everyone involved - the Active Tees Valley team, Youth Focus North East, Thirteen group, the local community and local councillors who have been very supportive, particularly Lee Garvey, Donna Jones and Janet Thompson.

“None of us do it for the limelight, we do it for the community. What we are trying to do is have a positive impact in a challenging area - one of the most deprived in the UK let alone Middlesbrough.

“We wanted to do something in the heart of East Middlesbrough, I’m from here, grew up here and see some of the challenges.”