CARE workers and volunteers have been rewarded for their dedication at an awards ceremony.

More than 100 people attended The Social Resource Centre Tenth Anniversary Achievement Awards, in the Masonic Hall, Ferryhill, on Friday.

The purpose of the awards was to celebrate the Social Resource Centre's tenth anniversary and recognise the work of carers and volunteer drivers.

Home Care manager Debbie Brown said: "This is the first time we have done anything like this and it was lovely to see the carers and drivers recognised for what they do. People brought their families and the people that they care for to the ceremony and everybody enjoyed themselves.

"The job of a carer is sometimes seen as a Cinderella kind of role, but there is so much more to it than that when you are caring for people out in the community.''

The Social Resource Centre started in Ferryhill in 1994 with three staff. It now has 45 carers and 80 volunteers who care for people throughout the Sedgefield borough.

The centre is based in Bede House, Newton Aycliffe, and is always looking to recruit volunteer drivers and home care workers.

For more information contact (01325) 304301.

Results:

Volunteer Driver of the Decade 1994-2004, sponsored by Phil Bousfield, Advanced Financial and Tax Planning, Consett, and Sedgefield Racecourse: John Crawford and Tom Rutherford.

Volunteer Driver Long Service Award, sponsored by NatWest Bank, Ferryhill, and Spennymoor branch: Mike Pennack, Marie Alderson and John B. Reid.

New Care Worker Achievement Award, sponsored by Edward Lowe, auditor and accountant, Sedgefield: Valerie Binks. Highly commended: Stella Birchall and Angie Farrell.

Home Care Outstanding Contribution Over a Specific Period, sponsored by the late Mrs Bailey, Newton Aycliffe: Sandra Lewins, Margaret Hillary, Maureen Bellingham, Angie Farrell and Pauline Bell.

Home Care Worker Long Service Award, sponsored by Durham Police and Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service: Ann Foster.

Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by The Social Resource Centre: The late Valerie Tweedy.

Home Care Special Award, sponsored by Dynea, Newton Aycliffe: Angela Cooper.

Home Care Worker of the Decade, sponsored by The Northern Echo: Christine Armstrong. Highly commended: June Cook, Teresa Hawkins and Tracey Ellis