Declan Baharani, who manages the Wansbeck Initiative, was described as "an inspirational champion of the sector with measurable impact" by judges at the inaugural North East Voluntary and Community Sector Awards.

Declan collected her award as Sector Champion at an awards ceremony held at the Quayside Exchange in Sunderland.

She has been responsible for developing a local strategic partnership where voluntary and community sector organisations are regarded as equal partners and their skills and expertise are valued by all of the organisations involved.

Declan also works closely with Wansbeck Council for Voluntary Service to make sure the sector has access to relevant information and briefings on relevant issues and is appropriately represented on various bodies and working groups.

Jo Curry, chief executive of Voluntary Organisations' Network North East (VONNE), said she had been left humbled by the work carried out in the sector: "We were flooded with examples of people who quietly get on with improving the lives of others day in day out.

"It was clear that those making the nominations welcomed the chance to celebrate the difference that those people make."