An Evening Gazette Community Champion has donated his prize money to charity after an 'inspirational' meeting with other award winners.
Thorntree shopkeeper Abdul Majid was named Community Business Champion at last Friday's awards ceremony at The Swallow in Stockton, after being nominated by two customers.
The 66-year-old, from Shelton Court, has run Charlie's Minimarket for the past 25 years and was praised for his friendly service to three generations of families.
But after being handed his £250 prize money, the father-of-three decided to give it to charity.
His 32-year-old son described how the awards evening had had an overwhelming effect on his father.
Kal Majid said: "My dad was more pleased with winning the award itself, because he has never won anything before in his life."
He added: "Everything went so perfectly and everyone there was a winner. He was so moved by the other winners who had been through so much - it was inspirational."
Half of Mr Majid's money and another £75 has been handed over to Lifetime Achievement Award winner Peter Howe, from Normanby, who has raised thousands for cancer charities.
The remaining £125 is being donated to the Imran Khan Cancer Appeal.
Mr Howe said: "I was totally blown away when Abdul said he wanted to give me the money."
