HEALTH care workers have been recognised for making a difference to patients' lives at an annual awards ceremony.

More than 180 people attended an awards dinner this week at which Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust announced the winners of its annual Making a Difference Awards.

The chairman presented awards in nine different categories including patient centred care, service modernisation and improving the environment.

Staff nurse Julie Oakes who delivers mental health care for older people was highly commended for her work in creating a therapeutic garden for patients with dementia at Sedgefield Community Hospital.

Trust chairman, Jo Turnbull, said: "Julie recognised the importance of a pleasant environment for people with dementia and has created a wonderful garden that patients, their carers and staff can enjoy together."

Among the award winners were staff from Auckland Park Hospital in Bishop Auckland who received a learning and growth award.

The team, which included staff from mental health services for older people from across County Durham and Darlington received the award for achieving four star accreditation in the national Excellence in Practice Award Scheme.

Alison Lamb and Peter Edwards, from the Clairmont Family Centre, in Bishop Auckland, were highly commended in the patient and public involvement category for their work with young people.

Mrs Turnbull said: "These people represent the very best of Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust.

"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 worthy winners of these awards."