SUNDERLAND: Thompsons was this year's winner at the Sunderland Echo Portfolio Business Awards as it scooped the Community Award for the company’s 25 years of commitment and support for its local community.

SUNDERLAND: Thompsons was this year's winner at the Sunderland Echo Portfolio Business Awards as it scooped the Community Award for the company’s 25 years of commitment and support for its local community.

Thompsons also took a second award, the Overall Business Award as recognition of the important role the company has played in the North East.

More than 320 people attended the ceremony dinner, which was held at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.