A MIDDLESBROUGH ward councillor has been named as a ‘Local Authority Hero’.

Councillor Peter Purvis, who represents the town’s Thorntree ward, received the accolade from Locality, the nationwide network for community-led organisations.

The awards celebrate the nation’s ‘local government heroes’ – the councillors and council staff who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support community organisations in their local area.

Councillor Purvis was nominated by Community Ventures (Middlesbrough) Ltd (CVL) for his work with them, and for the trust and strong relationships he has built up with the local community sector.

Chris Beety of CVL, said: “Peter sets good practice for other council members to follow in their wards through their involvement with other local organisations in our sector.

“He is closely involved in our local community not only through his work with CVL but in his active involvement in other organisations including the local credit union and Stronger Together in East Middlesbrough, a local infrastructure organisation.

“He provides an excellent bridge between CVL and the council which assists us in many ways and provides a model which other councils could emulate.”

Cllr Purvis said: “I’m greatly honoured to receive this award, and I’m extremely grateful to CVL for the nomination.

“But really it is recognition of all those involved, including the staff at CVL, my fellow ward councillor Geraldine (Purvis), local organisations and members of the community.

“The award is a celebration of what can be achieved when we all work together.”