The unsung heroes of the region’s charity sector have been honoured at a glitzy awards ceremony.

The inaugural County Durham and Tees Valley Charity Awards 2007, promoted and sponsored by Hartlepool accountants Horwath Clark Whitehill and Darlington law firm Latimer Hinks, acknowledged the charities, the individual volunteers and the fundraisers who give their time and energy to worthy causes.

Compered by BBC Tees presenter Alex Hall, the event, held at Hardwick Hall near Sedgefield, was attended by more than 170 people from the region’s charity sector and local businesses.