A new report from the Wellbeing Project highlights the positive impact made by work on community empowerment in South Tyneside.

Our annual awards, run together with South Tyneside Council and the Customs House in South Shields, were picked out as a case study.

With 10 categories recognising the borough's unsung heroes, they are described as "the highlight of the annual events calendar".

"Along with recognition, disseminating positive messages, such as the contribution of young people or the unsung actions of a good neighbour, through the local media and council publications, is helping to counter the negative stories of anti-social behaviour and crime," says the report.

"By demonstrating that regular citizens can have a hugely positive impact on their neighbourhoods, the awards are helping to create a sense of pride and belonging in South Tyneside."

The awards, supported by local businesses, are now in their sixth year and continue to grow.

Editor John Szymanski said: "The Gazette is delighted that the awards, which it helped to found, have continued to go from strength to strength.

"Receiving national recognition is a wonderful achievement and a testament to all the winners and nominees who have appeared throughout the last six years."

South Tyneside Council leader Coun Iain Malcolm added: "Recognising people and taking pride in our borough is a formula for success, and helps build and support local communities."

The Wellbeing Project's report investigated empowerment initiatives in three different parts of the country – South Tyneside, Manchester and Hertfordshire.