A WOMAN who has run a community prize bingo for 23 years is one of 15 individuals and groups in east Cleveland to receive Community Achievement Awards.

Joan Dales, of New Marske, has run the prize bingo for 23 years, and in the past three years has donated proceeds to pensioners' groups for events.

Each year, local heroes are chosen by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council in recognition of voluntary work.

Award winners were praised by Mayor Norah Cooney at a reception at Eston Town Hall recently. Other winners were:

PAT DENNEY, of Redcar: Chairman of Redcar Business Association, former chairman of governors at Zetland School, member of Coatham Community Forum and the Redcar Town Centre Management group.

Eston Residents' Association: For planting and maintaining flower tubs in Eston Square, organising fundraising coffee mornings for Christmas celebrations and a free newsletter to 3,000 homes.

Margaret Goodwill, of Marske: Long-serving secretary of Marske Residents' Association and member of Marske Partnership Group, organises fundraising for flower tubs and hanging baskets.

Guisborough Forest and Walkway wardens: For help with conservation and management of the site, and for raising £9,000 for a play area.

Ray Hall, of Redcar: Founder member, former treasurer and now chairman of Newcomen Ward Community Forum.

Reverend Bruce Harrison, of Brotton: Tireless worker who has put a focal point back into the village through the Church Education Centre and tidied up graveyard.

Elsie Hewitt, of Dormanstown: Worked for 24 years in voluntary sector, founder member and collector for Dormanstown Credit Union, and secretary/treasurer for Park Court Community Centre, organising holidays and outings.

Eric Howden, of Redcar: Secretary and parade organiser of Redcar British Legion, set up Cenotaph Restoration Fund, helped fundraising to create a Garden of Remembrance, and raised £1,000 with a cycle ride for the Poppy Appeal.

Nancy Meechan, of Dunsdale: Treasurer of Dunsdale Community Association, worked tirelessly on projects to benefit the environment and community safety in the village.

Keith Muir, of Saltburn: For years of public service, chairman of Saltburn Residents' Association and a member of the town's Britain In Bloom committee, takes a keen interest in preserving town's Victorian heritage.

Stanley Peverley, of Redcar: Helped establish the Top Lakes Residents Group, chairman of the Ayton Drive Youth and Community Centre, the British Legion committee, the Redcar Pensioners' and Regional Pensioners' Association.

Stanghow Community Centre Committee: For 25 years, they have kept the centre running, including fundraising for a refurbishment.

Marian Wheeler, of Margrove Park: A tireless worker, raising money for floral displays, the village hall and play areas.

Richard White, of South Bank: Regarded as voluntary park-keeper, tidying the Millennium Green and keeping watch on the football field, opening and closing the gates daily.