COUNCILLORS have agreed on the merit of a youth awards ceremony in Darlington after requesting a review of the event.
The latest Vibe Awards, which have run for 16 years, cost £3,898 earlier this year and were held over two days.
Members of the borough council's resources scrutiny committee asked for details to carry out a review.
They discussed the figures yesterday, when most members agreed it was a worthwhile event.
Conservative councillor Charles Johnson said the cost was "not excessive" but said the ceremony's length was "getting out of hand" and needed "more focus".
The committee chairman, Councillor Ian Haszeldine disagreed, saying: "You cannot measure value for money at a time when young people's esteem is at it lowest ebb.
"The two-day event gives it the publicity that it needs."
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