A host of organisations supporting young people in the North-East have been awarded cash prizes at a prestigious ceremony.

The High Sheriff Awards were presented at The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, with £10,500 in cash prizes being handed out.

The awards were presented in partnership between the High Sheriff of Durham, County Durham Community Foundation, and the Sir James Knott Trust.

A host of VIPs attended the event, including the Vice Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Alasdair MacConachie, Durham Chief Constable Mike Barton, and several North-East mayors.

This year’s High Sheriff of Durham, Gerard Salvin, said: “We are extremely lucky to have so many wonderful organisations supporting young people in this area and it was a great honour to be able to hand out these annual awards.”

Entertainment was provided by Teesdale youth folk band The Cream Tees, and Barnard Castle drama group The Turrets.

Winners:
• Bishop Auckland Table Tennis Club (£750). 
• Crook-based Cornerstone Supported Housing and Counselling Group (£750).
• 1st Staindrop Scouts (£1,000).
• Willington-based Spectrum (North East) Roller Skating Club (£1,000).
• Horden Colliery Welfare Cricket Club (£1,000).
• Enter CIC (£1,500).
• PACT House, Stanley (£2,000).
• Cheesy Waffles Youth Project (£2,500).