She is determined to make sure young people have a voice in the community.  Volunteer Roberta Davidson, 50, has been a key figure for generations of children around Low Fold in Byker, Newcastle, over the past 23 years.

It started with the launch of a playgroup, and blossomed into a full-blown career as a youth worker. And Roberta, who lives with husband Colin, 51, has five children and four grandchildren of her own.

“I first started volunteering when the children were small and there wasn’t much for them to do,” she said. “A few mothers got together and put a play scheme on and it just grew and grew.

“It was because of that I got into youth work. Young people are a really important part of the community. But they often get bad press, and they are not all bad.

“It’s people working together that matters. We all look out for one another,” said Roberta, who works for the Byker Neighbourhood Youth Project.

Stacey Davidson of YHN who nominated Roberta said:

“She is always involved within the community, helping young people within the first tenancies, and helping them get furniture.

“Roberta organises trips for the young people living on the estate throughout the year.

“Even when she has finished her work, her door is always open.

“Roberta is well known in the community by housing officers, councillors and many more - there’s no stopping her!”