Local Hero Award for Newbiggin Volunteer

Barbara aged 88 has been a dedicated volunteer at Newbiggin lifeboat station over the last 58 years and this year she was nominated for these special BBC awards. At a ceremony at the Durham Cricket Club she was awarded the 'Volunteer Award' for her outstanding service to the local community with her volunteering for the RNLI and other organisations in the village.

The BBC said 'We want to celebrate people who are going above and beyond to make a difference where you live.

The awards are a chance to say “Thank You” and show recognition and appreciation for people who love to make life better for others.

Winners have been selected by a panel of judges and awards will be given in each category, across each local BBC radio station.

The Volunteer Award is presented to an individual who makes a real difference to the community by giving up their time voluntarily to help out a charity or good cause.

Winners have been selected by a panel of judges and awards will be given in each category, across each local BBC radio station.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Richard Martin, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Newbiggin on 07980 010544 or [email protected] or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

If you would like to find out more about Newbiggin lifeboat station, its volunteers and its heritage then take a look at the local website.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.