Guisborough Town Council held its civic evening last Thursday at Sunnyfield House, and announced the citizen of the year award.

As well as town councillors, guests included representatives from Saltburn and Marske Parish Council, Loftus Town Council, Skelton Parish Council and Lockwood Parish Council.

The purpose of the evening was to announce the town council citizen of the year and hand out donations to charitable organisations.

Mayor, Councillor David Johnson, had nominated Natalie Toogood, who runs Natalie’s Fitness.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Guisborough Mayor Councillor David Johnson presents Mrs Natalie Toogood with the award of Guisborough Town Council Citizen of the Year Award

He said that she holds various keep-fit classes, including for some of the schools, and regularly raises funds for charity including the cardiac ward at James Cook University Hospital.

Read more: Eco group holds sewing repair café to stop old clothes going to waste

He said that in 2018 Natalie raised £9,650 and in 2019 more than £15,000 for various charities with a view to improving health and wellness.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Guisborough Mayor David Johnson with civic dignitaries, including Saltburn and Marske, Skelton, Loftus, and Lockwood, Parish Councils

Cllr Johnson commended Mrs Toogood for the enthusiasm and energy that she put into the projects. In reply, she said: “This is a lovely surprise, a real honour.”

The event opened with a performance by the Middlesbrough One Voice Choir, a community choir that brings together children and adults in the Middlesbrough and surrounding areas.

Darlington and Stockton Times: One Voice Choir performing at the Civic Evening

After refreshments, the mayor presented the charitable donations to groups including Gisborough Priory, Guisborough in Bloom, Guisborough Squash Club, Guisborough Museum, the Town Hall Gateway, the Royal British Legion, and Guisborough Victim Care and Service. A raffle, also for charity, raised £186.