PEOPLE who give up their time to make a difference in their community celebrated at a party in their honour.

Derwentside Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) and Volunteer Bureau held a celebration evening at the Raven Country Hotel, Lanchester, to mark the achievements of its members.

Among those rewarded for their work was Ann Sinclair, founder of Consett Churches and Neighbourhood Action (CCANA) and a former volunteer with housing charity Shaid.

A Shaid spokesman said: "Ann's commitment and enthusiasm towards the setting up, development and delivery of Shaid has been unflagging.

"Ann has also been instrumental in raising awareness of the issues facing young people in Derwentside around lack of housing provision through the church and other groups."

Michelle Armstrong won an award for her work setting up a youth club in the village of Pont, near Leadgate.

Jean and Bob Rix were nominated for their work for County Durham Society for the Blind and Partially Sighted over the past five years.

There were 28 nominations from 15 voluntary groups and organisations throughout Derwentside.

The awards were presented by the chairman of Derwent side District Council, Councillor Cath Clarke, Derwent side Citizens Advice Bureau manager and CVS trustee Cliff Laws, and Janice Docherty, the group's chief officer.