Awards for Community Heroes

People in South Tyneside are being encouraged to nominate local heroes who go the extra mile for their community.

The #LoveSouthTyneside awards have been re re-launched - two years on from when  the people-led campaign was launched.

The awards are aimed at recognising and promoting civic pride and community spirit.

The first winner of the campaign was Daniel Rowell in Jarrow who, when just nine years old, was praised for his commitment and passion to his local area. The youngster regularly carried up clean-ups in his local area, did beach cleans and made 'eco-bricks' from single use plastics.

Gerry Fionda, of the Monkton Village Association, won the award last year in recognition of the Association's outstanding work including gardening, working with schools and achieving the Silver Northumbria in Bloom.

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Norman Dick, said: "We know there are very many community heroes out there who go above and beyond all year round to make the Borough such a special place in which to live. In these challenging times, it is perhaps more important than ever to recognise the sterling work going on in our communities - sometimes unnoticed - by people who strive to make life better for others.

"If you know someone who deserves a special 'thank you' for their good work, then please let us know and lets us show them how valued they are."

Everyone nominated will receive a #lovesouthtyneside thank you pin badge while the winners will receive a special #lovesouthtyneside award.

To find out more or nominate someone, visit www.lovesouthtyneside.co.uk