JOHN Kennedy has scooped £1,000 for Gatehead's Deckham Community Centre after being rewarded at the WHSmith Chief Executive's Community Awards in London.

Mr Kennedy, who works for WHSmith News, received the accolade for volunteer work with the centre, providing somewhere for underprivileged teenagers to go at night and take part in activities in a safe environment.

The WHSmith Community Awards recognise and reward employees who volunteer for community projects in their spare time and each winner receives £1,000 to give to their charity or cause.

An overall winner receives an additional £1,000 for their cause.

Richard Handover, chief executive of WHSmith PLC, said: "WHSmith is thrilled to be able to recognise so many people who have given so much to their communities.

"These awards are particularly special within the company, because they recognise those employees who give their own time and energy to causes which are important to them."