DARLINGTON honoured its unsung heroes at a community awards ceremony last night.

Men and women who have done the most to improve local life, and leaders in the fields of art, sport, education and business, were named as the borough's finest at the second annual Best of Darlington Awards.

At the prize presentation at the TFM Arena, TV's Strictly Dance Fever champion Darrien Wright continued his winning streak when he was named Citizen of the Year 2007.

The 21-year-old dance star triumphed in the BBC competition in June last year, and later landed a role in the West End production of Fame the Musical.

In a recorded video message, Darrien, who is on tour with the show Fame, said: "Thank you very much for everyone's support, for their time, for voting for me and for coming to see my shows.

"It's been a hectic year and I'm still trying to get my head around it."

Darrien also won the Contribution to the Arts award.

Special guest on the night was Darlington boxer, Isaac "Argie" Ward, the Commonwealth super-bantamweight champion.

Prize judges included Northern Echo Editor Peter Barron, Ada Burns, the chief executive of Darlington Borough Council, and Steve Rose, of the Darlington Partnership.

Mr Rose said: "It is always a pleasure to celebrate the people who really give something back to the community, who are excellent at what they do and who really remember the place where they come from.

"The Best of Darlington Awards celebrates these people and as a partnership we are delighted to put them in the foreground.

"We are grateful to everybody involved who made tonight possible."

The Young Citizen prize went to Samantha Weller, a student at Eastbourne Secondary School, and a prominent member of a number of community groups, including the Darlington Youth Assembly, the Youth Service, and St John Ambulance. Samantha has already been given the Silver Level Grand Prior award, the highest commendation on offer to St John volunteers.

She also won the Young Person's Contribution to the Community prize.

Presenting the awards, Mr Barron said: "There are many unsung heroes in our town, and, at last, we are giving them the chance to be recognised and applauded.

"I hope this event goes from strength to strength, because it is such a graphic reminder that we really do have a great deal to be proud of in Darlington."

The Contribution to the Community prize went to Sarah Small, a dedicated youth and community worker on the Red Hall Estate. Sarah set up the popular Play Work Project, a programme which organises fundraising events, holiday trips and weekly activities for local youngsters.

Maggie Hart, the founder of the Education Centre for Children with Down's syndrome at Haughton Education Village, was named Carer of the Year. The charity supports more than 50 local families.

Young swimmer Jake Cowton has already been tipped for a place in the 2012 Olympics. In his latest podium finish, the 13-year-old was crowned Sports Person of the Year. In the past year, Jake has won a total of 36 medals at galas across the North-East.

The Friends of South Park took the Contribution to the Environment Accolade. The residents' group works throughout the year to keep the recently-refurbished park looking its best.

The Best of Business were BIB Insurance Brokers. The Contribution to Business winner was set up in 1981, and now employs 100 people in Darlington.

Sue Smith was chosen as the Neighbour from Heaven, after being nominated by friend Edwina Brown. Sue helps Mrs Brown by doing her shopping and cleaning her house, and made sure her neighbour had a warm welcome home when she returned from a recent spell in hospital.

Top of the class was Student of the Year Marcus Sims. During his GCSE exams last year, the Carmel College sixth-former racked up an outstanding 12 A*s and a distinction in ITC.

Volunteer of the Year was Donna Mear, a social phobia sufferer who overcame her condition to help out at Darlington Mind, a mental health support group. Donna is a dedicated volunteer at the group's vital drop-in sessions.

In a new category, Hugh Mortimer won The Big Snap photography award for his snapshot of Darlington life, "Cool Hand Luke".

The awards were presented by leading lights including president of Darlington Rotary Club, Alan Charlton, Darlington FC chief executive, Jon Sotnick, and Darlington Borough Council leader, John Williams.

More than 100 nominations across all categories were received this year.

Each winner was given a certificate and citation, plus a cheque for £100.

The winners in full

* Citizen of the Year - Darrien Wright

* Contribution to the Arts - Darrien Wright

* Young Citizen - Samantha Weller

* Young Person's Contribution to the Community - Samantha Weller

* Contribution to the Community - Sarah Small

* Carer of the Year - Maggie Hart

* Sports Person of the Year - Jake Cowton

* Contribution to the Environment - Friends of South Park

* Contribution to Business - BiB Insurance Brokers

* Neighbour from Heaven - Sue Smith

* Student of the Year - Marcus Sims

* Volunteer of the Year - Donna Mear

* Big Snap photography award - Hugh Mortimer