A dedicated Middlesbrough dad has been named the winner of a special award recognising the positive impact he makes in his local community.

Paul Yates, from Acklam, is chairman of the Middlesbrough Powerchair Football Club (MPFC) and dedicates his spare time to training, coaching, refereeing and fundraising for the club.

He has been crowned winner for the North East region in the ‘Let’s Make a Difference Awards’ created by homebuilder Avant Homes to recognise those that are pushing boundaries and making a positive contribution in the areas in which it builds.

The shortlist was voted for by the public before facing a final judging panel which included broadcaster Gabby Logan and Globespan Media editorial director Rupert Bates. All winners received a trophy, £2,000 cash prize and attended a celebration lunch with Mrs Logan and Avant Homes.

MPFC enables people with a severe physical disability of all ages and gender to play the fast-paced team sport of powerchair football. Paul took on the role of chairman in 2018 and volunteers on average three days a week to ensure the smooth running of the club, alongside his full-time job.

A single father to Adam Yates, 12, who suffers from cerebral palsy, Paul has not only made it possible for his son to play powerchair football but many other disabled people in the Middlesbrough area.

He said: “I feel incredibly honoured to have won and can’t thank everyone enough for their nomination and votes.

“I had all kinds of ideas planned when I found out that I had won the award such as sponsoring the football clubs development team and purchasing new playing kits, but the team were kind enough to insist that I spend the winnings on myself and my family.

“With my local business and volunteering with the football club I don’t get much time off so I’m planning a few weekends away and Adam will be getting a few extra treats for his birthday as he helps me so much at the coaching sessions.”

A highly commended award and prize of £1,000 was given to Julie Cooper, owner of the Don War Memorial Museum and Veterans Hub in Stockton-on-Tees. The bar, in Thornaby, is decorated with more than 70,000 poppies and war memorabilia and provides a place where people can meet up to socialise and honour fallen friends and comrades.

For information visit letsmakeadifferenceawards.co.uk or avanthomes.co.uk