THE outstanding contribution of two young people who have improved their communities has been recognised at the National Community Champions Awards.
The awards encourage people to increase their skills and inspire others.
The Government yesterday awarded £9m to the Community Champion Fund, which helps people turn ideas into reality.
The North-East winners were Olatunji John Abifaran, known as TJ, who moved to the North-East three years ago.
He works with the Streetwise charity, in Newcastle, which works with young people from diverse backgrounds.
Jonathan Thompson, 21, took the under 13s football team he manages to a tournament in Great Yarmouth last Easter.
Sixteen young people from Middlesbrough attended, as well as volunteers and parents.
Jonathan looked after five of the most challenging young people.
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