I was recently a judge for the VONNE Voluntary Sector Awards, which took place last week at the Radisson in Durham.

It was a very inspiring process and event, with so many stories of people working so hard in our sector despite difficult personal circumstances - and sometimes because of them. Several had been motivated to set up a project to help others with similar problems, or just because they were prepared to support their community and neighbours.

The only disappointing factor was that there weren't many nominations from County Durham and Darlington. So we will have to rectify that next year and CDCF will be looking out for inspiring groups and people to nominate.

Well done to Frank Benson from Darlington Hospital Radio and Sarah McGovern from Activity Den, Stanley for being joint winners of Trustee of the Year.