Businessman nominated for Community Champion award in Best of South Tyneside

Tony Singh, 53, who runs popular Shields venue, The Hedworth Hall, on Dean Street, was nominated by members of the public as Community Champion for his dedication to supporting local charities and teams.

The dad-of-three from West Meadows Road in Cleadon, said: “I am surprised and very pleased.

“For the last eight years I have been doing charity work to support local charities St Clare’s Hospice; Cancer Connections and good cause Cruse - which supports bereaved children.” Mr Singh recently held a fundraiser for St Clare’s Hospice at Hedworth Hall, which saw guests enjoy a meal and banter from Peter Reid and Kevin Ball which raised £4,000.

He added: “I think it is important to support local charities and I also sponsor Hedworth Hall football team and South Tyneside College rugby team. It is nice to feel part of the community and the community has always supported my businesses, so it is good to give back.”

The Best of South Tyneside awards have a headline sponsor of Siemens and are being held in association with The Customs House, and with Port of Tyne, BT South Tyneside, Barbour, David Gray and Harlow Print as category sponsors.

The deadline for entries for the Young Performer competition is Monday, April 4. After that, all the Young Performer finalists will get to perform at the Customs House in South Shields on Monday, April 18. The deadline for entries in the overall competition is May 6. After that, judges will draw up a shortlist for each of the categories listed.

And then it’s on to the grand finale, which will be held this year at the Quality Hotel on June 9. The awards will honour unsung stars. We know there are heroes galore out there who are worthy of awards.

To nominate send your name, address and telephone number, the name of the business or person you wish to nominate, along with their address, telephone number and email (if known)

State which category your nomination applies to (from the list of categories) and provide a description of the reasons for your nomination (no more than 300 words)

Post your nomination to: Nicola Meldrum, Alexander House, Second Floor, Rainton Bridge Business Park, Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland. DH4 5RA alternatively email [email protected] or [email protected].

The categories

Young Performer of the Year.

Role Model of the Year.

Neighbour of the Year.

Greener South Tyneside.

Child of Achievement.

Fundraiser of the Year.

Entrepreneur of the Year.

Child of Courage.

Carer of the Year.

Sporting Excellence.

Sports Team of the Year.

Community Champion.

Student of the Year.

Community Group.

Volunteer of the Year.

Lifetime Contribution.