This award is open to everyone in the North East who has been involved in community or charity work.

And the winner is...

June Jennison

Supergran June Jennison never says no when someone needs a helping hand.  The 73-year-old has lived in Goathland Avenue in Benton for 58 years and has become a rock at the heart of the community.

She is always doing things for other people whether it be picking up shopping for neighbours, babysitting or helping some of the school children that live nearby learn to read.

June insists ‘I do what I do out of enjoyment and I love working with the kids.’

The finalists

Anne Marr

Church Deacon Anne Marr has transformed her community through her tireless efforts.  But modest Anne stresses the project, which also aims to build a state of the art health centre next to the place of worship, is a labour of love for the whole community and not her alone.

Anne and her team’s exploits range from raising £10,000 by running the Great North Run to heading up a community project. They also had a vision to regenerate the community and presented it to the National Lottery who duly awarded a grant of £500,000 for work to Holy Nativity Church in Chapel House.

A close friend Debbie Owens said, “This is all down to Anne’s hard work.”

Josephine Southern

Mum in a million Josephine Southern dedicates her time to caring for others.  Despite being ill herself, battling stomach ulcers, kind-hearted Josephine takes care of family members, friends and neighbours.

Amongst organising bingo nights, taking pensioners shopping and raising money for charity, Josephine still finds time to care for her partially sighted friend Andrea and look after her arthritic mother who has also just been diagnosed with cancer.

Her daughter Jaimie Lisle says "She is the most caring, generous, loving person I’ve ever met."