Adam Shanley wins Northern Echo County Durham Together Award

Whether it’s been pioneering and delivering a blue plaque scheme, becoming a core figure in schemes such as pubwatch, shopwatch, and more, he has been praised for his dedication.

His nomination read: “Adam’s work does not end when meetings close or offices shut; he is present at community events, liaising with partners late into the evening, and making sure the Council is responsive to every challenge.

“His ability to coordinate and encourage collaboration means that vulnerable people in the city centre receive better protection, businesses feel supported, and the wider community benefits from a stronger and more joined-up approach to tackling challenges.

“He embodies the very spirit of public service—selfless, committed, and deeply connected to the people he serves.”

Heading up to the stage in disbelief, he joked with host Peter Barron that in his life he’s never even won a game of bingo.

Adam added: “I get an amazing amount of satisfaction out of what I do. To see the parish council, which only began five years ago, grow to where it is today has been incredible.

“The greatest asset County Durham has as a county is the people. To see the passion people have, I feel a fraud here hearing all the work other people have done.

“I just see a job in front of me, roll up my sleeves and get on with it.”