CHARITY champions have been rewarded at a ceremony for helping to raise over £21,000 for good causes as part of the Evolution Corporate Challenge.

Teesside-based accountants, business and tax advisory firm Evolution LLP marked the end of its three-month fundraising drive by handing out awards to organisations that participated in the initiative.

A panel of judges chose winners in four categories, including titles for the most innovative fundraising idea and best student team as well as a special judges award.

Of the 53 teams that took part in the Challenge – a competition to raise as much funds for three local hospices as possible – staff and pupils at Nunthorpe School, for the second year running, landed the title for raising the largest amount.

The school beat the Northumbria Water team by just £4.49, however the utilities giant did walk away with the Special Judges Award for its range of original ideas – including running a live mannequin display at Debenhams in Middlesbrough.

The Student Team Award went to East Durham College for their enthusiasm, despite this being their first year in the Challenge.