Mayor honours selfless Stockton residents at civic awards

The Mayor's Civic Awards shine a light on the borough's community champions.

At Stockton Council's annual meeting last Wednesday, April 3, outgoing Mayor, Councillor Jim Beall's final engagement was to honour the winners of the seven award categories. He also presented a Mayor’s Special Award for Service to the Community.

"It was an honour to present the winners with their awards because their remarkable contributions have improved so many lives across the borough,” said Cllr Beall.

"Community spirit runs through our borough, and it was an absolute pleasure to shine a light on these exceptional people, whose kindness truly makes a difference."

Young Person Award, Elliot Gordon

In his quest for a clean and tidy borough, 16-year-old Elliot has devised a rigorous schedule which sees him litter pick across Fairfield, Rimswell and Hartburn twice daily – 365 days a year. Elliot, who is autistic, is completely dedicated to his duties and despite being non-verbal he has built up an excellent working relationship with the council’s Care For Your Area team, supporting the local cleansing operative on the ground as well as highlighting issues when he spots things which need repair or replacement.

Service to the Community, Garry Bell

Garry Bell has used his Contender Gym in Stockton over the past ten years as a base to help steer children of all ages away from knife crime, drugs, and gang culture through the power of martial arts. He is also a great role model having clinched his second Grand World Champion title at the 2023 World Kickboxing Championship at the age of 42.

Service to the Community – Group/Organisation, Vision 25

Set up in 2016 through tireless fundraising, the group, led by Jen Addison and based on Stockton High Street, is a haven for people aged 17 upwards who are living with a disability. Vision 25 promotes its young adults’ independence, helps them integrate into the community, improves their health and wellbeing, and helps them gain work skills through volunteering.

Service to the Community – Business, RiverShack CIC

The organisation has made a significant contribution to the conservation and protection of the natural environment of the borough by providing access to the River Tees to tens of thousands of people of all ages, abilities, and income. The group has also facilitated new access points on the Tees at Yarm and Tees Barrage for canoes, kayaks, paddleboarders and swimmers.

Health and Wellbeing Award, Infant Hercules

With about 40-50 members, Infant Hercules, a male voice choir, represents all that is good about community spirit. They are known for putting a smile on faces at each and every performance. They support a host of community and public health initiatives from promoting men’s health to working with those seeking asylum. They have raised thousands of pounds to support a variety of local causes and charities.

Green Award, Bruce Burnell

The sprightly 90-year-old is known throughout Eaglescliffe for his mission to keep the area clean and tidy. From litter picking and weeding back alleys, to clearing snow and planting grass seeds, Bruce also ensures the local war memorial and cenotaph always look in perfect condition.

Carer/Foster Carer Award, Doug and Carolyn Brewster

As Shared Lives carers, Doug and Carolyn have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals they have cared for as well as raising awareness of the Shared Lives scheme which supports adults with additional needs. Through their inclusive and supportive atmosphere, the person they have shared their home with for the past 13 years has become an integral member of the community participating in events and making friendships. This is a testament to the Brewsters’ commitment to fostering a sense of belonging for those in their care.

Mayor’s Special Service to the Community Award, Tony Campbell

Tony has given extensive, continuous, and voluntary service over the past 25 years while running a successful business. In roles such as chair of Tees Valley Arts and chair of the Stockton Business Forum, Tony has acted an ambassador for the borough, helping support civic life, public services, and the business community.