South Tyneside Homes (STH) is supporting the ceremony for the third year running, giving its backing to the Good Friend/Neighbour category.

STH is the arms-length management organisation set up by South Tyneside Council to manage, maintain and improve council housing in the borough.

Chief executive Isobel Riley said: "We are delighted to be sponsoring the award. We're always keen to celebrate the good work residents of the borough do for others.

"This award demonstrates that people who are kind to others help to make a positive difference in the community."

STH has made good progress since it became operational in 2006, and was awarded a two-star rating after a recent inspection by the Audit Commission.

This is good news for tenants, as STH can now unlock £167m of extra funding from the Government, which will be used to make major improvements to council homes in the borough, bringing them up to the Decent Homes Standard by 2013.

Mrs Riley said: "We are very proud of the challenges that we have already tackled, but we know we still have a lot to do to make sure we provide excellent housing management services while contributing to the wider community of South Tyneside.

"South Tyneside Homes is proud to sponsor the Pride of South Tyneside Good Friend/Neighbour Award.

"This award goes to a local resident who has who has shown true community spirit and gone the extra mile to support or help a neighbour to make their life happier in their own home."

* Don't miss your Gazette tomorrow, as we reveal the shortlisted nominees ahead of the evening award ceremony at the Customs House in South Shields. For tickets, call the box office on 454 1234.