'Everyone's A Winner'

They say '15 minutes of fame' comes everyone's way. But last week the Borough made famous some very special people. I hope and believe their example lasts longer than 15 minutes.

Last week I was privileged to be a part of South Tyneside's very own version of Oscars night - the Pride of South Tyneside Awards, celebrating the very best of the Borough in a ceremony with all of the glitter and glamour of the Hollywood version - complete with a red carpet for the award nominees and their families to stroll up on their arrival at the Customs House.

The Pride of South Tyneside Awards, or POST Awards differ a little from the Oscars however - the Oscars reward actors, actresses and those from glitzy world of film, whose achievements are widely publicised. Our POST awards celebrate the silent achievements of 'real' people, individuals of courage, determination and compassion whose bravery and selflessness could otherwise go unrecognized and unrewarded. Too often we hear 'bad news' stories about youth disorder, about crime and vandalism, but the winners and nominees of these awards illustrate the best of South Tyneside, people working to improve their surroundings their communities.

These individuals are not motivated by the desire to win an award, indeed many were embarrassed by their nomination, but rather by a desire to be the best person that they can be, or to help others less fortunate than themselves.

I was moved by the bravery of the four Children of Courage - Joshua Nicholson, Rebecca Tye, Leoni Goreman and Corey Deans - all of whom are battling painful illnesses and inspiring those around them. All of their stories of courage in the face of adversity brought a tear to the eye, and there was not a dry eye in the house when they took to the stage to collect their awards.

I was privileged to present Kayleigh Vassalo with the award for Young Carer of the Year. At just 15 years old, Kayleigh cares for her mother, who is battling the debilitating condition of MS. Her selflessness and compassion are truly inspiring.

Mr Ian Tunnicliffe, retiring Head Teacher of Harton Comprehensive, won the accolade of Role Model of the Year, for his dedication to teaching, and the inspiration he has offered to countless pupils over his 36 years of teaching - many of whom now hold senior jobs in South Tyneside, and remember their days at Harton with affection.

Their efforts are without cynicism or self promotion. Their example should give all of us confidence, and put in perspective our private troubles. We have the people to build a better Borough.

What I took home with me was a sense of pride in the people of South Tyneside. Pride in their achievements, pride in their dedication to making South Tyneside a better place for all of us, pride that there are so many caring, compassionate, courageous, unselfish and talented individuals living in our Borough.

My thanks and congratulations go out to all of the winners, the nominees, award presenters, compere Ray Spencer, and everyone who worked so hard to make the evening such a resounding success.

We should all take inspiration from the winners and nominees of the 2003 awards, and work to make next year's ceremony an even bigger and better celebration of all that is to be admired in South Tyneside. Let's all work to make this Borough famous for the inspirational, compassionate, everyday people who make up our communities.