YMCA Norfolk staff from across the county have been honoured for outstanding service to the charity in its first ever awards event.

The staff and volunteer celebration was held at the Norwich Family Life Church centre in Mason Road, Hellesdon, Norwich, and attended by about 100 staff and volunteers from all over Norfolk.

Five staff, each with more than 10 years' service to the charity, were given long-service awards. They were executive team administrator Janet Payne, receptionist Sue Hawes, housing manager Martin Rye, key worker Les Gosling and housekeeper Tanya Davison.

Meanwhile, Amanda Nicholls was named as volunteer of the year for her 17-plus years' service volunteering in the catering department at St Giles.

The newcomer of the year title went to Amanda Timby, key worker at Throckmorton Yard, team of the year went to the schools and community team and the leadership award went to Keith Willers in recognition of his management qualities/

Rachel Scott and the Norwich Supported Lodgings team took home the Bright Ideas awards while the behind the scenes award went to management accounts and payroll officer Catherine Brown.

The unsung hero award was given to Mike Howard for his work with hard to reach young people, Emma Thompson, from King's Lynn was named youth worker of the year and the outstanding employee of the year award went to Emmanuel Kouadria for his work within the supporting lodgings team and for his flexible approach in extending services to more young people in need.

The inaugural YMCA Norfolk Awards received more than 150 nominations.

Tim Sweeting, chief executive of YMCA Norfolk, told the staff and volunteers: 'It is fantastic to see so many of our colleagues and volunteers here today.

'It gives some idea of the scale of the work right across the county. There has been a lot of change over the past year and this is our way of saying thank you for all that you do.

'You are here because you are passionate about young people and I am confident about the future of our organisation because of your dedication, commitment and professionalism towards the young people we serve.'