A COUNTY Durham awards ceremony is defying the coronavirus pandemic by taking the celebration online.

The High Sheriff Awards give out thousands of pounds every year to local youth groups, but charity hosts County Durham Community Foundation have decided that continuing with the ceremony, scheduled for March 24th, would put people at unnecessary risk.

Instead they are planning to take the circus-themed night onto their social media platforms, sharing the stories of the winning groups through tools like Facebook Live.

Chief executive Michelle Cooper said: “Everything we do is about making sure grassroots groups in the region can carry on with their excellent, community-building work. While we thoroughly look forward to the High Sheriff Awards every year, it is simply not worth putting anyone’s health in danger.

“We are disappointed but are now throwing our energy into taking this event online, and are having great fun thinking up ways to celebrate our winners through Instagram and Facebook. This way, everyone who would like to join in can do so from home without worrying.

“We’ve informed all of the groups affected by this decision and they have all been incredibly supportive. There’s no doubt in my mind that it’ll be business as usual next year and we are now focusing on supporting our grant recipients during a time when they will undoubtedly be affected.”

In total, County Durham Community Foundation has given out £16,000 in High Sheriff awards this year – the highest amount ever – to 11 worthy winners.

PACT house were the headline winners, scooping £3,000 to continue their work in Stanley, which fights food poverty and inequality through a community kitchen and support work.

Woodshed Workshop, 27th Darlington Scout group, Bright Minds Bright Futures, St Peter’s Church, BCT Aspire CIC, 1st Burnmoor Scout Group, 21st Darlington Scout Group, City of Durham Air Cadets, Durham Agency against Crime and the Durham Association Boys and Girls Clubs also won money to further their causes.

Tina Townson, from Durham Association Boys and Girls Clubs, said: “The prize is fantastic and will go directly back into providing young people with positive activities. The winning this award means so much to us as it acknowledges all the hard work we do to keep young people in County Durham positively active."

“Although we are obviously disappointed that the event has been cancelled, we fully understand this decision under the current climate and look forward to the virtual award ceremony.

“Once again, thank you for all the support County Durham Community Foundation gives our organisation, we truly appreciate it.”

The awards were supported by the Sir James Knott Trust, Durham Constabulary, the office of the Police Crime and Victims Commissioner, Durham Shopping Extravaganza, UK Steele Enterprise and the Paddy and Richard Lowden Fund.

The new High Sheriff will be announced this Sunday.