A Chester-le-Street voluntary group has scooped the top prize in an annual competition.

The community health awards have been running in Durham and Chester-le-Street since 1998 and are aimed at giving community groups an opportunity to receive recognition for their work.

The nominations were made by Durham and Chester-le-Street local advisory groups who were looking for organisations working on projects aimed at addressing health needs or promoting healthy communities.

The winners were Ouston and Urpeth conservation volunteers, who won £250 for creating an outdoor oven in which they bake bread and other goodies for the community.

Other nominees were: Durham stroke club, ME North -East, Chester-le-Street and district voluntary welfare committee, New Brancepeth youth club and Bowburn senior citizens' club.

The winners were announced by Lady Ann Calman, chairwoman of Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust at the trust's annual health conference at Ramside Hall, Durham yesterday.