HOSPICE supporters have been thanked for their efforts at an awards ceremony.

Awards were given to voluntary staff who have helped at St Teresa’s Hospice’s shops in Shildon, in County Durham, Barnard Castle and Leyburn, in North Yorkshire, for more than ten years.

Certificates also went to Veronica Barker and Margaret Bland, who have worked as daycare volunteers for a decade, and Clare Canagaretna and Maureen Thompson, who have worked as volunteers in administration and reception for the charity for ten years.

Chris Lloyd, deputy editor of The Northern Echo, was among the winners when he was given an excellent supporter award.

He raises money for the hospice through his local history talks.