HEALTH projects which have made a difference to their local communities were recognised at a presentation this week.

Lady Ann Calman, chairwoman of Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust, announced the winners of this year's community health awards on Wednesday during the trust's annual conference at the Ramside Hall Hotel, attended by more than 100 delegates.

The winners, each of whom was nominated by local residents, were judged to have worked to address the area's health needs or promote healthy communities.

The overall winner was named as Shincliffe Youth Club, which received a £250 prize, while seven runners-up - Durham and Chester-le-Street Carer Support, the Dyspraxia Foundation, Durham Osteoporosis Support Group, Chester-le-Street and Durham Tinnitus Self Help Group, Durham Stroke Club, Bowburn Bereavement Support Group and Chester West and Central Community Project - each received a certificate to mark their achievement.

Lady Calman said: "We would like to congratulate all the Community Health Award nominees and thank them for all their hard work in addressing local health needs and improving the health of our community."

Later, the winners of the trust's achievement awards were announced, to recognise individuals who make an exceptional contribution in the service provided to patients.

Winners included specialist coronary nurse Ann Oliver, for excellent service to the community; the reception staff at Sherburn Surgery, for excellence in primary care; prison health care development manager Julie Dhuny, for driving forward change; assistant head of nursing Maureen Sullivan, for supporting PCT and patient services; epilepsy nurse specialist Pamela Mantri, in the publication category, and the Castlegarth Practice Team in Durham City, in the national recognition category.

The Special Recognition Award was given to staff from Great Lumley Surgery, nominated by patient Dorothy Watts, from Chester-le-Street.