THE hard work of dozens of community champions from across the region was celebrated at special awards ceremony yesterday.

The event, in Newcastle, recognised outstanding contributions of recipients of the Community Champions fund, set up by the Department of Education and Skills to help people who want to improve their communities.

Among the celebrants was musician Brendan Mullins, who provides musical activities for people with disabilities in Hartlepool.

He said: "Teaching them music empowers them and gives them the confidence they need. Any kind of art form makes a difference to their quality of life."

Mr Mullins used a Community Champion award to fund a Sound Beam, which enables people with physical and learning disabilities to make music. His group, from the town's Warren Road Adult Learning Centre, is preparing a Sea Symphony for performances around the area.

Claire Lamb, who was hailed for conducting a community survey of Sherburn, near Durham, with Mary Patterson, said: "I would recommend anyone who wants to make a difference in their community to apply for funding through the Community Champions scheme.

"It does not just give the funding you get - you get advice and support as well.

"There is always someone at the end of the line to help. It is about people working together and sharing their expertise."

Dave Stenson, of Redcar, east Cleveland, was praised for setting up and developing Internet safety awareness sessions for residents.

He said: "My aim is get into communities and deliver training sessions, and I am recommending that all IT courses at schools and centres should incorporate awareness training."

Other champions hailed yesterday were George Sutherland, who established a tool bank for residents of the Alliance Street area of Parkfield, Stockton, and John Milburn, who is helping people in Stanley, County Durham, access genealogy information.