Retired fisherman Mick Smith was recognised for his long-standing support in helping to boost the finances of the Fishermen’s Mission when he was handed a Friendship Award by the organisation’s Chief Executive, Marc Evans.

Mick Smith, centre, seen after being presented with the Friendship Award, with Mission Area Officer Peter Dade, left and Chief Executive Marc Evans.

Marc presented the award – one of only two announced for 2022 – during a visit to the North Shields Fishermen’s Mission.

Marine artist Mick was nominated for the award by Mission Area Officer Peter Dade for providing images to be used on Christmas cards for around 20 years, which are sold in aid of the Fishermen’s Mission, the only national charity that works solely to support fishermen and their families.

In making the presentation, Marc, who has overall responsibility for the running of the charity said: “It genuinely gives me great pleasure to come out and meet people like yourself, whose continuous support helps to keep us going.”

Mick, who was a fisherman for 40 years, handed Marc a new painting of North Shields Fish Quay for the 2023 Fishermen’s Mission Christmas card collection.

“As someone who was a fisherman for so many years, I am glad that I have been able to give something back to the Mission,” he said.

The awards were announced following the Annual General Meeting of the Fishermen’s Mission.