It's an honour for top five Middlesbrough citizens

Middlesbrough has honoured its own Famous Five local heros. Sven McLean was named Middlesbrough's Citizen of the Year, in recognition of three decades of voluntary service to the community.

Four others - William Meli, Liz Chambers, Les Fawcett and Bob Eastwood - also received awards for their work at yesterday's annual meeting of Middlesbrough Council.

Most commended in Citizen of the Year was William Meli, who came second in the awards for his outstanding commitment to various area of Middlesbrough community where his has found home. Mr Meli worked with ACANE (African Community Advice North East) which supports people from the black community and also brings African music into schools and care homes.
He was nominated into the award by now former Middlesbrough striker Joseph Desire Job and the Breckonhill Community Centre Manager Amanda Buck.

Joseph Job described him as a pillar of support to the African community while Amanda thinks his contribution to Middlesbrough is above the call of duty. William is a dedicated young man who is willing to learn and help his community most often at his personal cost. His commitment in his re-education, building his capacity as community developer and also studying an Engineering degree at Teesside University has also earned William, winner of two Adults Learners Awards in the same year 2005: “Individual Learners' Award” and “Outstanding Learners’ Award”.

William said: “What I have learned from my experiences is that being successful in anything in life is not only about how intelligent you are or what you know, but it is about how you commit yourself to it, how you manage crisis that arise while you are doing it and remain strong. Being a professional is also about how you manage your emotions and do your work at the same time. If you can do that you are a Pro.”

Ray Mallon said “I am proud to present this award to you William, continue your good work”.
A member of African community:”