NOMINATIONS are now open for an awards scheme that celebrates the achievements of youngsters in the Darlington borough.

The Vibe Awards have been celebrating the very best of young people in Darlington for 19 years, and the next ceremony on March 24, will again have an Oscar theme.

Nominations will be shortlisted by a panel lead by young people and special awards will go to the most inspiring youngsters put forward.

Nominations are open until December 12 and residents are encouraged to think of young people they may know in Darlington who have made great achievements in the past year.

Councillor Cyndi Hughes, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “It’s great to see a really positive event for Darlington's children and young people, celebrating their achievements and rewarding them for their hard work.

“I believe raising self-esteem and confidence is incredibly important and this is what these awards aim to do.

“So, if you know a young person who would be deserving of one of these Awards, please put his or her name forward’.

Danny Brown, Darlington’s Member of Youth Parliament, added: “The Vibe Awards celebrate the good work young people do, helping themselves and enriching other people’s lives - they are a credit to themselves, their families, their schools and their friends.”

There are four nomination categories, all for ages 10 – 19, which are; Contribution to the Community, Contribution to the Arts, Achievement Against the Odds in Life and Achievement Against the Odds in Learning.

To nominate visit www.clicktodo.co.uk or email click@darlington.gov.uk