HUNDREDS of young people from across County Durham will gather for a presentation evening tomorrow.

The event has been organised by Durham County Council's Education in the Community Service and marks the conclusion of National Youth Work Week.

It is being staged for organisations that entered the Youth Work That Works award.

There were 102 entries, the most received since the award was launched in County Durham in 1997.

Council youth work development officer Paul Hebron said: "The youth service in Durham plays a huge role in contributing to the personal and social development of our young people and it is very rewarding for us all to get together to celebrate our achievements.

"Included in all the entries are many examples of young people contributing to their local communities, engaging in the democratic process and having a voice, learning new skills, taking part in new activities and, of course, having fun."

Five area winners have been selected.

Selections were based on the involvement of young people in the planning and running of the projects and the benefits and skills which they gained. They are:

* North Durham: a group at Stanley Youth Centre produced a horror film

* Dales: a group from the Teesdale Community Resources Project produced and distributed a book encouraging young people set up youth clubs

* Easington: the drama group at Peterlee Youth Centre wrote and performed sketches relating to young people's issues

* Sedgefield: young people from Fishburn Youth and Community Centre produced a teen magazine

* Durham: a project called Nobody Like Us involved young disabled people in music, dance and other arts.

The winner of the overall county-wide award will be announced at the ceremony.