At just 12 years old, kind-hearted Deaken Towel from Shildon is already proving to the county that he is a force for change.

Initially shy and lacking confidence, Deaken’s attitude and drive changed when he became a young volunteer at Shildon Alive after struggling with his transition into secondary school.

Since then, he’s been helping people coming into the charity with their shopping but more recently went above and beyond when he noticed the charity’s ‘Hands Up Bags’ for the homeless were running low.

From that point on, Deaken decided more needed to be done to tackle homelessness in the area and set out on a mission to make change – writing to the town clerk, introducing himself to care homes and even asking county councillors for financial support.

His nomination added: “He was g

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