HEALTH workers have been praised for their dedication.

Jo Turnbull, chairwoman of the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust presented Making a Difference awards to six teams and individuals, in recognition of their work, in the first awards ceremony of its type to be held by the trust.

She said: "Each one of them has gone that extra mile to ensure that the people who need our services receive the best possible care and support, and they are all very worthy winners."

More than 180 people attended the ceremony, which recognised staff for their dedication and commitment to local mental health, learning disability and substance misuse services.

Awards were as follows.

● Carmel Rutter, staff nurse, Redcar and Cleveland, winner of the chairman's unsung hero award.

● Mental Health Supported Housing Panel, Middlesbrough, winner of the working in partnership award.

This panel includes Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust, voluntary sector housing providers, Middlesbrough Council Supporting People and Erimus Housing.

● The Tees-wide early intervention service, winner of the patient and public involvement award. This team works across the Tees Valley and includes Suzanne Hudson, Adele Balmer, Jeanette Coser and Lorraine Arnold.

● Fast Track Art Project Team, Stockton and Hartlepool, winners of improving the environment award.

● Story Sacks Initiative, winner of the tackling stigma and promoting social inclusion award. The award was presented to Lol Butterfield and Marjorie Wilson, from Guisborough.

* 367 Thornaby Road, Stockton, winner of the providing patient-centred care award. This team provides residential learning disability services.