Thirty-one children received awards, as well as gifts, from Darlow, Paralympic gold medal-winning swimmer Joseph Craig MBE and BBC Look North presenter Carol Malia at the ceremony, held in the Bamburgh Suite at St. James' Park.

Bravehearts of the North East is a charity which recognises courage and bravery of children of the region, many of whom have undergone major operations in the children's unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary.

All of their work is done by volunteers with the help of donations. Every penny donated goes towards putting a smile back onto a child's face.

As well as handing over some amazing gifts to inspirational youngsters, Darlow signed autographs and posed for photographs.