NOMINATIONS are being sought to recognise unsung charity volunteers.

The first ever County Durham and Tees Valley Charity Awards are to be held this November to celebrate the individual volunteers and fundraisers who give their time and energy to local charities.

The awards ceremony will be held at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, on November 1.

Heather O'Driscoll, charity audit partner at sponsors Horwath Clark Whitehill accountants, said: "The aim of the awards is to celebrate and acknowledge the fantastic work carried out by charity organisations and individuals across the Tees Valley, South Durham and North Yorkshire.

"We hope that people across the region will nominate both their favourite charity and the inspiring people who work selflessly behind the scenes.

"There are an amazing number of people in the region involved in the charity sector, from fundraisers and charity workers through to volunteers and business supporters and it is for these people the awards are intending to gain recognition."

The event is also sponsored by Darlington law firm Latimer Hinks, Wise Speke, Hartlepool Housing, Lloyds TSB and Southern Cross Healthcare.

Anne Elliott, a partner at Latimer Hinks, said: "We value our links with the local community and we welcome the opportunity to be associated with the very first Durham and Tees Valley Charity Awards.

"We are all keenly aware of the grassroots work that is being carried out in communities across the region by local charities often operating under severe financial constraints and with little recognition.

"These awards are an opportunity to promote the region's vibrant third sector, and so we would encourage local charities to consider making an application for these awards - as the old saying goes, you've got to be in it to win it."

Anyone wanting a nomination form should email caroline.walker@recognitionpr.co.uk or call 01325-363436. Full details are on the website www.durhamteesvalleycharityawards.co.uk.