A COUNCIL has scooped a national award for its support of a major charity event.

Darlington Borough Council was named the Best Supporting Council in recognition of its commitment to Cancer Research UK's Race for Life.

Darlington's Quakers Running Club has also been highly commended in the Outstanding Support from an Athletics Club category, having provided marshals on the day to look after the race competitors.

This year was Cancer Research UK's most successful Race For Life yet.

A total of 549,000 women took part in 162 races across the country, raising a total of £32m.

The race held in Darlington saw 3,200 women running, jogging and walking 5km around the town's South Park to raise £173,651.

Janet Cooper was the race organiser for the Darlington event.

She said: "Darlington council, in particular its events manager, Jeff Dawson, and the sports development team, has consistently shown commitment and support for the event.

"Staff and volunteers from Darlington Borough Council are enthusiastic and are dedicated to ensuring the success of the event, working all hours to support it."

Lee Vasey, the council's cabinet member for leisure services, said: "This national award is proof of the good work that is done by those involved in the Race for Life.

"The council works hard to make sure the event is a success and thanks to that work and the dedication of the women who take part, the Darlington Race for Life is a real success.

"The town should be proud that it raises so much money for such a good cause."

The award will be presented to the council at Cancer Research UK's Race for Life annual awards lunch on Thursday, January 26, in London.