Record entry for awards which honour support to young people

The judging panel, from left, CDCF fund manager Clare Duggan, Lesley Taylor, and Jo Farrell, back, from left, David Brown, Gerard Salvin, Margaret Vaughan, Jon Carling, and Peter Cook.

Awards recognising community organisations supporting young people in Hartlepool have attracted record entries.

Judging for the prestigious High Sheriff Awards 2017 took place this week ahead of the presentation ceremony at Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, on April 6.

The High Sheriff of Durham, Gerard Salvin, a member of the judging panel, said: “We were extremely impressed by the outstanding range of applications which showcase the tremendous value so many young people bring to their communities.

“There are an awful lot of unsung heroes out there and I am delighted to be able to encourage our young people by presenting these special annual awards.”

The awards – honouring groups in the community which “encourage useful and beneficial pursuits for young people” – are a partnership between the High Sheriff, County Durham Community Foundation (CDCF), and the Sir James Knott Trust.

The awards, including cash prizes, are presented to voluntary and community groups and registered charities in Hartlepool, County Durham, Darlington, and Stockton whose projects focus on work with young people between 10 and 21.

The scheme is funded by the Sir James Knott Trust, which supports community projects in Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and County Durham, including Hartlepool. Additional money has been provided through the High Sheriff’s Fund, managed by County Durham Community Foundation.

Margaret Vaughan, Chief Operating Officer for CDCF, said “This is the second year we have managed the awards for the High Sheriff and we are very fortunate to have such dedicated and passionate members of the community and local organisations assisting us in the selection process.

“The awards are a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate the activities undertaken by young people in our area to support their local communities. We are pleased to be working closely with the current High Sheriff Gerard Salvin, in partnership with the Sir James Knott Trust, to acknowledge and reward the young people’s hard work.”

The judging panel was chaired by CDCF trustee Peter Cook and comprised Gerard Salvin, Margaret Vaughan, Durham’s Deputy Chief Constable Jo Farrell; David Brown, Fundraising and Events Manager, If U Care Share; Jon Carling, representing Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg; and Lesley Taylor, Taylor Packaging.