Long-running CBBC drama The Dumping Ground won the prestigious Centre Award for its contribution to jobs and opportunities in the region’s screen sector at the RTS North East and the Border Awards in late February.

The children’s show, which made its debut in 2013 and is made by BBC Studios Kids & Family, is set in a care home and has been filmed across the North East. The series is a continuation of the CBBC drama Tracy Beaker Returns, which was based on the novels of Jacqueline Wilson.

The Dumping Ground received a second prize when Ruben Reuter, who plays Finn McLaine, took home the award for his Performance in a Drama.

The citation for The Dumping Ground read: “The show, now into its 11th season, has provided a springboard for the careers of hundreds of actors, writers, crew, producers and directors. And it has won plaudits and prizes for the way it has tackled the often-difficult social issues facing young people, with storylines including mental health, racism, family break-up and LGBT parenting.”

Other winners on the night included the BBC One series James Arthur: Out of Our Minds, made by Summer Films, in which the singer-songwriter explored the roots of his fragile mental health. The programme received the Broadcast Factual prize.

Dragonfly’s long-running BBC One series Ambulance won the Factual Entertainment award.

In the news categories, ITV Tyne Tees won the News Programme prize, with two of its journalists also gaining awards: Katie Cole accepted the Journalism prize and Molly Sharples took home the Newcomer award.

The Craft Award went to make-up designer Michael Birtley, whose television credits include Inspector George Gently, Vera and The Dumping Ground.

Former BBC engineering boss Garth Jeffery, who has been the technical director of the North East and the Border Awards since they were launched more than 30 years ago, was presented with the Outstanding Contribution award.

In the student categories, the awards were shared around the region’s colleges and universities.

More than 400 industry guests filled the Hilton in Gateshead at a ceremony hosted by the comedian and producer Jason Cook. Guests included the star of locally made ITV drama Vera, Brenda Blethyn.

“The awards are a brilliant showcase for the achievements and talent of programme-makers working here in this part of the UK,” said RTS North East and the Border Chair Joanna Makepeace-Woods.

“Production activity has increased by nearly a third, year on year, and there are signs the BBC’s commitment to the region is bringing in other players.”

The principal sponsors of the RTS North East and the Border Awards were production company Fulwell 73 and events specialists Sparq Live.

---

RTS North East and the Border Television Awards winners

Outstanding Contribution - Garth Jeffery

Centre Award - The Dumping Ground - BBC Studios Kids & Family for CBBC 

Craft Award - Michael Birtley

Drama – Lore - Sea & Sky Pictures

Drama Performance - Ruben Reuter, The Dumping Ground - BBC Studios Kids & Family for CBBC

Comedy - Where It Ends - Tiger Aspect for BBC iPlayer

Factual Entertainment – Ambulance - Dragonfly Film + TV for BBC One

Broadcast Factual Production - James Arthur: Out of Our Minds - Summer Films for BBC One

Non-broadcast Factual Production – Tish - Freya Films, Hopscotch Films and Velvet Joy Productions

Children’s - Cooking with the Gills - MCC Media for Channel 5

News Programme - ITV News Tyne Tees

Sport - Great North Run - FilmNova for BBC Sport

Journalism – Presentation - Katie Cole, ITV Tyne Tees

Newcomer - Molly Sharples, ITV Tyne Tees

Short Form - Waving at Trucks - BBC North East & Cumbria

Commercial - Home to Hospital - Future and Co Films

Professional Excellence: Cinematography - Kyle Heslop, The Dawdler

Professional Excellence: Post-production - Stephen Hedley

Student Awards: Animation - Dream - Teesside University

Student Awards: Drama – Swine - Northumbria University

Student Awards: Entertainment and Comedy Drama - CoWbOys & COnTemPlaTioN – A Fever Dream - Gateshead College

Student Awards: Saving the Planet - Pine Marten - University of Cumbria

Student Awards: Factual Short - The Milky Way - Newcastle University