VOLUNTEERS were rewarded for their efforts at a celebration hosted by a mayor.

Sunderland City Council's social services directorate organised the event, at the Seaburn Marriott Hotel on Wednesday, as part of National Volunteers' Week.

More than 200 guests were nominated by the voluntary organisations they support to attend the evening in recognition of their dedication.

Ten of them received an award from the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Juliana Heron, thanking them for their outstanding contribution to community life.

In addition, the event also marked National Carers' Week, from June 9 to 13.

People were invited to nominate people who care for carers, and three of them were also given awards.

Glenys Jones, director of social services, said: "There are many people in Sunderland who work tirelessly to help others and the event was a token of our appreciation."

The award winners were: Joanne Barker; Lindsay Clark; Doreen Cole; Dennis Cunningham; Tony Moses; Bessie Murray; Gordon Pipe; Mary Porter; Debbie Wilmott; David Wilson; Linda Brown; Dr David Hunsley; and Lynda Irving.