The Best of South Tyneside Awards 2024 took place on Thursday, June 20 at Clarion Hotel, Boldon. Individuals and businesses of South Tyneside were in attendance at the awards ceremony, which was hosted by radio presenter Chris Felton.
Chris Felton provided the audience with moving commentary, highlighting the outstanding work and lives of all that were nominated for an award. 15-year-old Keris Finn was the guest singer for the evening.
The official charity partners for Best of South Tyneside Awards 2024 were Billy’s Lifeline and The People’s Angels with £658.70 raised for both charities through a raffle, with prizes kindly donated by Barbour, Westoe Travel, Marina Vista Restaurant and Mio’s.
Headline sponsors for the Best of South Tyneside Awards 2024 included; South Tyneside Council, South Tyneside College, Barbour, Karbon Homes, Tivoli, Key Subject Tuition, Siemens, ISR Laser Cleaning, Jam Prints and Marketing, Mio’s and Tyneside Home Improvements.
Best of South Tyneside Awards 2024 celebrated the achievements of South Tyneside businesses, communities and individuals who within their work have made an inspirational difference to our hometown and the community, including all nominees as well as winners.
Editor of Shields Gazette and NewcastleWorld, Liam Kennedy said of the Best of South Tyneside 2024 Awards: “What an amazing evening, and congratulations to all of the winners of the categories. Your stories and achievements are something to behold, and it is our pleasure to shine a light on the amazing that goes on, often unseen, in the region we know and love. We live in this fantastic area of South Tyneside - and events like this show just how amazing the people living in it actually are.”
The official charity partners for Best of South Tyneside Awards 2024 were Billy’s Lifeline and The People’s Angels with £658.70 raised for both charities through a raffle, with prizes kindly donated by Barbour, Westoe Travel, Marina Vista Restaurant and Mio’s.
![KW Fitness was the winner of the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Award, which recognises leisure and retail businesses which serve the community, highlighting excellence in the sector. KW Fitness is a female-owned boutique fitness studio in Hebburn, which offers a range of fitness classes to different age groups and abilities. Karleigh Wright of KW Fitness said: “I live, eat, sleep and breathe fitness myself and I wanted to put that into everybody else in our town. I just want to flood South Tyneside with a feeling of goodness and to give people confidence and a safe space to train.”](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/21/15/43/KW-Fitness-Karleigh.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
5. Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Award
KW Fitness was the winner of the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Award, which recognises leisure and retail businesses which serve the community, highlighting excellence in the sector. KW Fitness is a female-owned boutique fitness studio in Hebburn, which offers a range of fitness classes to different age groups and abilities. Karleigh Wright of KW Fitness said: “I live, eat, sleep and breathe fitness myself and I wanted to put that into everybody else in our town. I just want to flood South Tyneside with a feeling of goodness and to give people confidence and a safe space to train.” | Ian
![Four inspiring young children were the worthy winners of the Child of Courage Award; Eden Star Smith, Harry Trotter, Jack Lewis and Archie Lewis. The children have been recognised for showing courage in the face of adversity. Harry’s father said: “He’s always been a star in my eyes since the day he was born.” Eden’s father said: “She just amazes us how strong she is every single time.” Brothers Jack and Archie were very proud of their award as they said: “It feels really good!”](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/21/15/43/Child-of-Courage.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
6. Child of Courage Award
Four inspiring young children were the worthy winners of the Child of Courage Award; Eden Star Smith, Harry Trotter, Jack Lewis and Archie Lewis. The children have been recognised for showing courage in the face of adversity. Harry’s father said: “He’s always been a star in my eyes since the day he was born.” Eden’s father said: “She just amazes us how strong she is every single time.” Brothers Jack and Archie were very proud of their award as they said: “It feels really good!” | Ian
![The Child of Achievement Award was won by Daniel Sayers, who is a dedicated member of the Sea Cadets and the Marine Corps, and has shown exceptional achievement at a young age. Daniel said: “My heart has been racing all night, and hearing my name has just blown my mind. I’ve been in the cadets for nearly six years, and what an experience. I’m now one of the second highest in the unit and I’m going for Sergeant next year.”](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/21/15/44/Daniel-Sayers.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
7. Child of Achievement Award
The Child of Achievement Award was won by Daniel Sayers, who is a dedicated member of the Sea Cadets and the Marine Corps, and has shown exceptional achievement at a young age. Daniel said: “My heart has been racing all night, and hearing my name has just blown my mind. I’ve been in the cadets for nearly six years, and what an experience. I’m now one of the second highest in the unit and I’m going for Sergeant next year.” | Ian
![The Community Champion/Group Award recognises those who have made a significant contribution to the community, with South Shields Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets Unit winning the award. The youth organisation supports young people aged between nine and 18 years old to make the best start in life. Leader of South Tyneside Council, Cllr Tracey Dixon said of the organisation: “My father was a Merchant Seaman and I’m absolutely delighted to be presenting the award. They do an absolutely sterling job, a huge well done to everybody.”](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/21/15/16/Sea-Cadets.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
8. Community Champion/Group Award
The Community Champion/Group Award recognises those who have made a significant contribution to the community, with South Shields Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets Unit winning the award. The youth organisation supports young people aged between nine and 18 years old to make the best start in life. Leader of South Tyneside Council, Cllr Tracey Dixon said of the organisation: “My father was a Merchant Seaman and I’m absolutely delighted to be presenting the award. They do an absolutely sterling job, a huge well done to everybody.” | Ian