The Best of South Tyneside Awards 2023 celebrated the achievements of South Tyneside businesses, communities and individuals who within their work have made an inspirational difference to our hometown and the community, including all nominees as well as winners.
Hosted by Ray Spencer MBE, the event’s headline sponsors were South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School, while the official charity sponsor was The Glen Corner Trust.
Here, we take a look at the winners from each of the 12 categories.
5. Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Business Award
The winners of the Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Business Award were The Clifton, a B&B hotel located on Ocean Road in South Shields. While providing their guests from South Shields and further afield with an amazing customer experience, The Clifton also help local people and businesses, with training and employment opportunities. Owners of The Clifton, Liz and Scott Carlucci said of their win: “It’s amazing, especially for our team who work really hard.” The Clifton pride themselves on being different and unique, and put their customers at the heart of all that they do as a business. | Kev Brady
6. Child of Achievement Award
The winner of the Child of Achievement Award was Year 13 student at Harton Academy, Ruby Deardon. Ruby is multi-sensory impaired, and has overcome significant adversity. She was nominated for the award by her school, who wanted to give recognition to all of Ruby’s hard work and determination. Alongside revising for her A Levels, Ruby completed her Duke of Edinburgh Award and came second in a skiing race, as well as taking part in many extracurriculars at the school. Ruby said: “I’m over the moon, I never expected it! I wouldn’t be where I am without the school, and my mam is my biggest supporter.” | Kev Brady
7. Community Champion/Group Award
The Community Champion / Group Award was won by South Shields Sea Cadets, a charitable youth organisation. Commanding officer Jim Simpson, aged 62 and training officer Sophie Dawson, aged 27 said: “We do this for the young people of South Tyneside. It makes them absolutely amazing citizens and inspires them to take that next step in life.” Through their work at the Sea Cadets, they give young people aged 9 to 17 years old, training and experience through fun, adventure and teamwork. Speaking of their win, the Sea Cadets said: “We're not there for awards, but it feels great.” | Kev Brady
8. Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award was won by 63-year-old Martin Devlin, who has been the leader of Bilton Hall Boxing Club for almost 40 years. The boxing club encourages people of all ages and genders to join the club. Martin said: “I get stacks of phone calls from parents whose kids are being bullied, or are spending too much time on FIFA and ask if we can get them into the club.” Martin explained that they train the young people to get confident and physically fit, saying: “We make it enjoyable for them.” Speaking of his win, Martin said: “It’s good to be recognised.” | Kev Brady