DARLINGTON’S brightest stars were celebrated at a glitzy awards ceremony tonight (Friday, May 22).

The 2015 Best of Darlington Awards saw unsung heroes from across the borough recognised for their contribution to their community.

An inspiring headteacher, a dedicated campaigner and an inspirational teenager were among those rewarded for helping to make the town a better place for all.

Crowds packed Darlington College to honour the town’s most inspiring individuals at a ceremony hosted by The Northern Echo’s editor Peter Barron.

The ceremony saw Maura Regan OBE named as the first woman to win the awards’ Citizen of the Year category.

Ms Regan was recognised for her unwavering commitment to the region’s young people and her work as principal of Carmel College, recently singled out by Ofsted as one of the most academically successful state schools in the North.

Teenager Kasia Polkoszek, described as a “wonderful, caring, inspirational role model for young people” was named Young Citizen of the Year.

The final award of the evening saw tireless campaigner Shaun Campbell recognised for putting Darlington on the map through his determination to pay homage to Arthur Wharton and promote racial harmony.

As founder of the Arthur Wharton Foundation Mr Campbell fought to ensure the legacy of the former Darlington FC goalkeeper who was the world’s first black professional footballer was recognised.

The ceremony’s 15 categories, which included Volunteer of the Year and Contribution to the Arts, were won by a deserving mix of community-minded individuals and groups.

A full report and comprehensive list of nominees and winners will be published in the Best of Darlington supplement, published in The Northern Echo on Wednesday, May 20.