UNSUNG heroes across Teesside have been honoured for their achievements.

In the seventh annual Mayor's Community Achievement awards, 19 individuals and groups from across the borough were recognised for their efforts.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's mayor, Councillor Peter Spencer, hosted the ceremony at Eston Town Hall on Tuesday.

He said: "It's a great pleasure and honour to give these certificates to people who have achieved so much for their communities.

"And it's marvellous to think that after seven years we are still getting so many deserving recipients."

Award winners included pensioner Reg Lawrence, who volunteers at the Normanby Aged Persons Association and spends most of his time looking after others; Marjorie Matthews, who has been actively involved in regenerating and developing North Skelton since 1991; June McBurney, a founder member of Winkies Castle, in Marske, who recently received a long service award for 32 years with the Women's Royal Voluntary Service; Moorsholm Village Forum for its achievement with Moor News, the village newsletter; and Newcomen Ward Community Forum for its work including the refurbishment of the Lakes Avenue rose garden.

Other winners were Oakley Walk Community Centre Bankfields Committee for its dedication and support in managing the centre; Jeff and Marjorie Osborne for the regeneration of the Guisborough Allotment Society; Ann Robinson, founder of a friendship group for widows and widowers which now has 52 members; Christine Stubbs, a volunteer youth worker from South Bank, who recently led a campaign supporting the asylum-seeking Sajid family, now facing deportation despite settling in the town.

Richard Unthank, deputy headteacher at St Peter's CE Primary, Brotton, was also commended for his work organising the town's carnival every year, including a youth soccer tournament.