A young woman who overcame her own problems to help other young people, the coach of a deaf football team, and a carer who works tirelessly to improve the lives of residents at the Hospital of King James are amongst the lucky winners.



The ‘Gateshead Award’ recognises the hard work and dedication of volunteers, carers, and everyone else who goes out of their way to make the borough a better place to live, work or visit.



Sydney Robson, a man who has committed over 35 years of his life to coaching young athletes voluntarily, was also awarded the outstanding achievement on top of his sports achiever of the year award. Many of Syd’s athletes have progressed to international level and, despite being well into his 70s and having a hip replacement, two strokes and a pacemaker fitted, he continues to coach twice per week.



Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Joe Mitchinson, said: “Every single one of our winners is thoroughly deserving and they should be very proud to receive an award that was voted on by the public.



“Without people who have passion and commitment who constantly do that little bit more to help others, our communities would simply not be the places that they are. I would like to thank all of our nominees, as I’m sure everyone in Gateshead would, for their contribution to making Gateshead a better place.”



The other winners included Jasmine West, who picked up the young person of the year award. Jasmine volunteers for a number of organisations, including homeless charity Aquila Way, and works with other young people who have experienced similar problems to her in the past.



The volunteer of the year award went to Lesley Rutter, who overcame her own health problems to work with Gateshead Council’s Get With It volunteering programme and is training to become a Health Trainer Champion so she can help even more people.



Pippa Murray, one of the wardens at the Hospital of King James in Felling, was awarded the carer of the year award. She has secured funding to upgrade the residents’ lounge, joined forces with the community health team to build their confidence, and organised a number of trips and treats.



Football coach and youth club leader Sam Little was given the sports coach of the year award for his tireless dedication to sport. He has been playing football since he was 11 and qualified as a referee aged 15, now studying for his degree, he continues to referee each weekend and coach three under 11 teams at Blaydon Youth Club.



Charlotte Young has volunteered for over 200 hours so far this year. She is a member of the Gateshead/ Whickham Sports Leadership and sailed with disabled students from the Cedars Sports College. She was rewarded with the Maureen Chaplin young sports achiever of the year award, named in honour of the former Mayor of Gateshead.



A number of organisations were also celebrated on the night, with the Rutherford Deaf Football Club being named sports team of the year. They are the British Deaf League Northern Division Champions after finishing unbeaten last season and three of their players went on to represent Great Britain at the European Championships in Denmark.



The sports club of the year award was presented to Gateshead Kestrels Disability Sports Club, who provide high quality sporting opportunities for 70 children and young adults with physical, sensory and learning disabilities. The Gateshead Kestrel Swimming Squad has represented the North East at a number of national events.



The award for voluntary organisation of the year went to Arthritis Care’s Gateshead Branch, who support a number of arthritis sufferers to live more independently with newsletters, aqua fit swimming sessions and outings.



All winners were chosen by the public of Gateshead through the council’s website and residents’ magazine, Council News. They were shortlisted by a panel of judges including the Mayor of Gateshead, Gateshead Council cabinet members and representatives of sponsor organisations Gateshead College, Gateshead Voluntary Organisations Council (GVOC) and Willmott Dixon.