A big thanks to people helping Teesside shine: Well done to all winners and nominees at the Evening Gazette's Smile Awards.
Along with the Tees Valley Tourism Bureau and Tfm Radio, we launched this new scheme to reward and commemorate those people who go beyond the call of duty in the service industry.
We wanted you, our readers, to highlight workers in the region who you considered to deal with the public with outstanding enthusiasm, cheer and professionalism.
Many, many people were nominated by readers who really appreciate and recognise genuine 'customer care'.
We feel such sterling service is crucial, not only to those who live on Teesside but also to make sure that those who visit the area leave with the right impression of the welcome they have received, hopefully encouraging them to come again.
The categories where awards were made yesterday included: most helpful taxi driver; most welcoming hotel employee; chef of the year; most cheerful bar person; best retail assistant; friendliest public transport employee; and most enthusiastic tourist attraction employee.
There was also a special award for the person who made an individual contribution to tourism for the Tees Valley.
Watching the real people of Teesside and the wider Tees Valley regeneration area pick up their prizes, witnessing their pride and, for some, tears of joy and excitement at such recognition, made for a very enjoyable day.
Our region has some great councillors, mayors, top businessmen and women and other prominent movers and shakers.
What was great about the Smile Awards was that for once some very real people were rewarded for their significant contribution to the success of the region.
Today we applaud them all for being shining examples and representing all that is good about this splendid corner of the North-east.
Well done! We hope you really enjoy your share of the limelight.
