THE work of the North East Autism Society has been recognised at another prestigious award ceremony.

NEAS recently won the Not For Profit Campaign of the Year at the North East Marketing Awards, held at The Discovery Museum in Newcastle.

And that has been followed by the Society being named as one of three finalists for the main prize at the North East Charity Awards, alongside Newcastle’s Action Foundation, and Pioneering Care Partnership.

The Action Foundation, which helps refugees and asylum seekers, was named as charity of the year.

NEAS chief executive John Phillipson said:

Naturally, we are disappointed not to win but it is still a great achievement to be named as one of the best three charities in the region.

Coming so soon after winning the award at the North East Marketing Awards, it is another testament to the dedication of our staff who work so hard to make a difference to the lives of people with autism and other neurodiverse conditions, along with their families.

It was the fifth time the North East Charity Awards have been staged by The Journal and The Gazette, in association with associate sponsors Brewin Dolphin.

More than 400 attended the night of celebration of the region’s voluntary sector at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead.

Helen Dalby, senior editor at Journal and Gazette publishers Reach North East, said:

ChronicleLive, Teesside Live, The Journal and The Gazette are extremely proud to recognise the value and importance of the amazing charities and social enterprises in this part of the world, which is so widely known and loved for its generosity of spirit.

Tonight also recognises the important work of individual fundraisers and local businesses who support and help raise vital funds for our charities.

We have been inundated with entries, with almost 250 received – and our judges commented on the quality once more being exceptionally high.

These are tough awards to judge – all those nominated are exceptional organisations and individuals, who make a real difference with the work that they do.

It brings out the best in people. It's a privilege to work with people who want to give so much.

BBC Newcastle’s Anna Foster and Alfie Joey hosted the awards, which featured entertainment from North East comedian and Britain’s Got Talent winner Lee Ridley aka Lost Voice Guy.

The event also featured entertainment from Gateshead group Aukestra, a music group for autistic adults.