UNSUNG heroes from across Redcar and Cleveland have been honoured at an annual awards ceremony.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council Mayor, Coun Vilma Collins, presented the Community Achievement Awards at a ceremony at the council chamber in Eston.

The recipients were nominated by councillors for their work in the community.

Coun Collins said: "These awards are an excellent way of congratulating people for all their hard work, put in on behalf of others.

"It's abundantly clear that everyone who has received a certificate since we started the presentations didn't expect any real recognition for what they have done.

But we know they're special and we want to show our appreciation in some small way."

The winners included Glynis Beckwith from Brotton who plants bulbs, trees and shrubs and raise funds for Christmas lights with the Blooming Lights Committee; Joan Buckley from Redcar, organiser of the Friendship Club at Larkswood Community Centre and Norman Evans MBE, a disabled fundraiser who busks in Redcar. David Reed, a 21-year-old from Redcar, was recognised for his volunteer work at West Redcar Youth Centre, his involvement in setting up the Redcar Youth Action Group and as treasurer of Newcomen Ward Community Forum.

Secretary Pat Jorgensen and members of the committee of Change (Carlin How Against Neglected General Environments) were rewarded for their work in attracting money, improvements and better services for the village.

Volunteers from Guisborough Salvation Army were rewarded for their important role in reflecting the town's history and culture while Guisborough residents Jim and Jean Hart were recognised for raising thousands of pounds by selling poppies for the Royal British Legion.

Robert Brownbridge from New Marske, captain of New Marske Boys Brigade, and Kathleen Cuthbert from Brotton, who has worked with Brownies and Guides in the village for 13 years, were also rewarded.

Betty Jones from Loftus and her late husband Derek were recognised for their involvement in the scout movement, voluntary work and for hosting the East Crescent Residents Group.

Martin and Debbie Neal from Redcar were praised for running the Katie Trust, in memory of their six-year-old daughter who died from cancer. Tony and Cathy Lynn from Saltburn and Olwyn Peters and Colin Shore, both from Eston, were recognised for their community work.