The Pride of South Tyneside Awards are being held on Thursday – and a host of well-known faces will give out the gongs.

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Coun Alex Donaldson, who also helped judged the nominations, will present the Judges' Special Award.

Jarrow MP Stephen Hepburn will meet the Greener South Tyneside recipients on stage at the Customs House in South Shields.

Philippa Tomson and Jonathan Morrell, who present North East Tonight on ITV Tyne Tees, will present the Carer of the Year and Child of Courage awards respectively.

Scooch star David Ducasse will be able to pass on some words of wisdom to the Young Performer(s) of the Year.

Actor Dale Meeks, former star of ITV soap Emmerdale and West End musical Chicago, will hand over the Role Model of the Year award.

Freelance broadcaster and BBC Radio Newcastle breakfast show host Mike Parr will present the Community Group of the Year award.

Former South Tyneside College lecturer and TV presenter John Grundy will meet the Top Achiever.

Look North sports presenter Jeff Brown will fittingly present the Sporting Excellence award.

Anna Foster, who co-hosts Metro Radio's breakfast show, will hand over the Good Friend/Neighbour award.

Ray Spencer, executive director of the Customs House, will compère the evening, which promises to be another crowd pleaser.

Entertainment will be provided by the three Young Performer(s) of the Year finalists, and all shortlisted nominees will share their emotional and uplifting stories.

The Pride of South Tyneside Awards, organised by the Gazette, South Tyneside Council and the Customs House, are now in their sixth year.

Tickets for the show, priced £10 or £8 concessions, are available from the box office on 454 1234.