TWO new sponsors have been announced for the 2020 County Durham Together Awards, being run by The Northern Echo in partnership with Durham County Council.

The awards, which will be held virtually on December 10, will celebrate the individuals, groups, and businesses who have played a key role in supporting communities in the county during the coronavirus pandemic.

The key worker category is being sponsored by housing association believe housing. Chief executive Bill Fullen said: “Now more than ever it’s important that we recognise the people who really make a difference to our lives. During the coronavirus pandemic we’ve all seen that people who have sometimes been taken for granted, play a huge part in keeping our communities going.

“From delivery drivers to gas engineers, and of course those on the frontline of the NHS, we’ve all depended on them massively this year. That’s why we’re so happy to be backing the County Durham Together Awards, and particularly the key worker category.”

The Northern Echo:

The Bishop Line, the community railway line which runs between Darlington and Bishop Auckland, is sponsoring the community/voluntary group category.

Felicity Machnicki, community rail officer, said: "The Bishop Line connects the many communities within South Durham and Darlington, and our partnership of train companies, local authorities and organisations works together to help deliver a rail service which suits the needs of that community. During the pandemic the railway has been helping the many key workers in our area get to work and carry out the jobs which have kept our local economy, and public services running.

The Northern Echo:

"We’re supporting the community/voluntary group category to acknowledge how grateful we are to those who have persevered through these tough times, that we are compassionate to those who have suffered loss during this time and to show how extremely proud we are to be able to help connect our communities along the Bishop Line."