THE final shortlist for awards honouring the cream of Darlington's unsung heroes has been announced.

Judges for the annual Best of Darlington Awards have revealed the contenders for the 2012 event after deliberations took place earlier this week.

Three shortlisted candidates in each of the main categories have been named, with two further candidates also highlighted for achievements during the previous year.

Seventy-two nominations were submitted across the 11 award categories.

The judging panel met on Monday to choose the winners and select other entries for commendation. They also selected an overall citizen and young citizen of the year - and made two separate special awards.

Lance Corporal Steven Hughes was one of 14 Royal Marines from Lima Company 42 Commando and 29 Commando Royal Artillery, who escaped unscathed from a firefight in Afghanistan in September. The incident was dubbed the Battle of Compound 62, and left at least five Taliban insurgents dead.

Aimee Yule's heroism has already been rewarded once when she won a courage award at the Durham Police Authority's Community Awards Scheme. Her bravery in halting a brutal street attack in Darlington made national headlines. She stepped in to save stranger Jason Waters during a savage beating at the hands of two attackers.

The shortlist also includes previous winner Darrien Wright, who was named Citizen of the Year in 2007. The dancer is again nominated for the contribution to the arts.

One of his rivals for the crown is also one of the oldest entries, Brian Llewellyn, who has been entertaining children with his Punch and Judy show for 35 years.

At the other end of the age scale, there are three student categories and a young contribution to the community category.

The winners will be announced on Friday, March 23, at Darlington College.

A further category for the Darlington Thru The Lens photography section will be judged separately. The theme is regeneration. Entries must be received by January 14. For more details see darlington.org.uk/photocomp.htm.

THE SHORTLIST

Contribution to sport: Laura Robinson, Aaron and Abby Tarleton-Hodgson, Sophie Ward

Contribution to business: Bussey and Armstrong Ltd, Everything Everywhere, Henry Williams Ltd

Contribution to the environment: Haughton Residents Association, Maidendale Nature and Fishing Reserve, Nordic Pioneer and Darlington College

Vocational Excellence: Fiona Snowdon, Susan Spencer, Karl Stirling

Academic Excellence: Georgi Clarke, Owen Cundy, Ross Lindsay

Exceptional Student: Demi Creighton, Emily Harkin, Bryony Killey-Scaife

Contribution to the arts: Brian Llewellyn, Macy Stasiak, Darrien Wright Volunteer of the Year: Margaret Grey, Roderick Francis, Yvonne Sellers

Contribution to the community (adults): Noreen Chaplin, Sajna Miah, Clervaux Trust

Contribution to the community (young person): Matt Gatiss, Peter Richardson, Gareth Rogers

Putting Darlington on the Map: Emily Bagshaw, Darlington College, Darlington Dementia Collaborative

Special award: Lance Corporal Steven Hughes, Aimee Yule