BAD news is never far away but one of the joys of this job is meeting inspiring people who are quietly doing great things for others.

Caspar Clyde is a 10-year-old member of the 12th Darlington Scout Group and I first read about him in The Northern Echo last November.

Caspar had needed a spell in hospital after contracting the MRSA virus but he made good use of his time by learning how to make balloon animals. And, having read about the spread of Ebola in Africa, he'd decided to sell his balloon creations to raise money for the crisis appeal.

Caspar was immediately signed up to play a starring role at the Best of Darlington Awards which took place recently. In his scout uniform, Caspar went round the tables, selling balloon animals in aid of St Teresa's Hospice.

I am now able to report that Caspar has presented £149.11 for the hospice. His efforts earned him his fundraising badge and he is justifiably bursting with pride.

But behind every successful balloon modeller is a blower-upper and it is also right to pay tribute to Caspar's dad Iain who finished the night red-faced and completely out of puff.

ANOTHER Best of Darlington Awards post-script...Flowers By Nattrass generously provided the beautiful floral centre-pieces for the tables.

These were sold to the highest bidder on each table at the end of the night and another £225 was raised for St Teresa's. In my book, that's blooming brilliant.