Local heroes celebrated for helping the community

The Make a Difference award ceremony was held at the Globe Stockton

Fundraising twins, a charity rescuing horses and a man who has volunteered with the RNLI for 40 years are among those to have been recognised for inspiring and helping their communities.

BBC Radio Tees Make a Difference celebrated stories of kindness, resilience, and dedication at a ceremony at the Globe Stockton on Saturday.

Winners were announced in eight categories, with 'young hero' and 'active' awards given for the first time.

Judges, including author Anne Fine and Alex Olesky from the Traitors, chose the recipients from thousands of nominations.

The winners were celebrated at a special ceremony held at the Globe Stockton on Saturday.

The Volunteer Award - Robbie Maiden

Robbie retired earlier this year after spending 40 years volunteering for the RNLI in Hartlepool.

He followed in his father and grandfather's footsteps, and joined the crew at just 17 as his "birthday present".

He was involved in many call-outs and even had to be rescued himself when he was washed overboard after the capsizing of The Scout lifeboat in 1993.

The Young Hero Award - Lyla

After being diagnosed with a brain tumour Lyla wanted to make hospital better for others.

She took doll houses and Easter eggs into the wards and has also been making videos about how operations work to help people who are scared.

The Great Neighbour Award - Charlotte Leak

Charlotte is a mum of seven who threw herself into helping at the Lingdale Village Hall.

She joined after her mother died a couple of years ago.

Charlotte says the hall has become like a second home and she loves bringing the community together.

The Active Award - Connor Rumney

Connor Rumney, who has spinal muscular atrophy, coaches Middlesbrough Powerchair FC.

He first got involved about five years ago and his work has inspired people.

His team says he is everything you could want in a coach - with one member travelling from Glasgow every week to take part in the sessions.

The Animal Award - Here4Horses

Here4Horses has rescued 70 horses since it was set up five years ago.

Accepting their award, the team of volunteers said they were astonished to win and thought they had no chance against the competition.

The Green Award - Pete Smith

Pete Smith persuaded his wife to buy a field nearly 40 years ago and says it has now "helped thousands of children" to experience nature.

He has also been recycling and planting trees.

The Fundraiser Award - Laura and Becky

Middlesbrough twins Becky and Laura have raised over £80,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

They wanted to give back after losing their grandfather to asbestos-related cancer.

Their events have gone from strength to strength - the first one raised just over £500, while the largest saw £9,000 raised.

The Community Award - Salaam Centre

Targeted during the riots of 2024, the staff have made the centre a space for entire community of Hartlepool to get support.

Nancy and Ian from the centre said they were "over the moon" and dedicated the award to all of the residents of Hartlepool who had "stepped up" and made sure the area is remembered for its community spirit.