VOLUNTARY workers from Wark were among the first in the county to be recognised under an awards scheme created by Northumberland County Council.

They were formally dubbed “Northumberland Local Heroes” for the contribution they’ve made to their local communities.

Leading the way were The Monday Men, a group of retired men who meet each week to carry out tasks around the village, such as keeping the riverside tidy, painting fences and working with schoolchildren to plant bulbs around the village.

Also honoured were parish council chairman Anne Hutchinson, for her many years’ work not only on in the parish council, but also on local projects such as the Stonehaugh Dark Sky shelter, and Judith Weir for her years of service to the parish council, Women’s Institute and British Legion.

The county-wide awards scheme has highlighted how much outstanding work is being done by local people and groups for the benefit of neighbours and their local area.

The awards were handed out by the county council’s deputy business chairman Coun. Liz Simpson, who said: “We’ve had a fantastic response to the request for nominations, showing how much our heroes are appreciated for the effort they make for their communities.

“Wark is a great example of how local people contribute to village life and their environment.”

Winners of the award receive a certificate and memento and their names appear on the council’s website so people can see who they are and why they have won this recognition.

Residents of Northumberland can nominate local heroes by picking up a form from any council building or online at hero.northumberland.gov.uk