Search is on for South Tyneside's unsung heroes

Last year's judging panel, front, from left, Margaret Beard, Ian Carr and Shabana Bibi. Back, from left, Lisa Nightingale, Bill Scott, Surjah Hunter and Pat Morris.

The Council for Voluntary Service South Tyneside has launched its annual volunteer celebration awards.

The event aims to recognise those who give up their time to support others and enable groups providing much-needed services to the residents of South Tyneside continue to thrive.

The awards are now in their third year.

Nominees do not have to live within South Tyneside, but the activities for which they are nominated for must take place within the borough.

There are four categories in which people or groups can be nominated in, including:

Supporting the Community; Improving Health and Wellbeing; Supporting Young People, Children and Families and Volunteer of the Year.

Volunteer centre co-ordinator Ian Carr said: “Volunteers are an integral part of the community.

“If it wasn’t for the time given by volunteers, a lot of places wouldn’t be able to offer the level of services or the quality of support they are able to.

“Volunteers do a lot of their work without any recognition, and these awards are about showing our appreciation for the work they do.”

All types of volunteering will be considered and all volunteer activities must be outside of paid employment.

Those successful will be invited to an awards ceremony.

For information and nomination forms contact Ian Carr on 456 9551 or email [email protected]

Deadline for nominations is Monday May 30.