Members of a rotary club have been given the most significant international award a Rotary group can receive.

Darlington has been awarded the Rotary Citation for 2020-21 for its work and commitment to serving and helping its community during the past difficult year.

Darlington Rotary is part of Rotary International, which has 1.2 million members worldwide and 35,000 clubs.

The Rotary North East District Governor in 2020-21, Barbara Broadbelt, said: "During a year that was challenging for Rotarians around the world, clubs demonstrated a commitment to achieve their goals, which ultimately helps strengthen Rotary and shape our future."

The criteria for a citation includes targets for activities such as taking part in community projects, media presence, support for youth activities – including Rotakids, Interact and Rotaract groups for young people – and contributions to Polio Plus, a movement aimed at eradicating polio worldwide.

President of Darlington Rotary for 2021-22, Peter Phillips, said: ‘Darlington Rotary comprises a strong and committed group of men and women who enjoy socialising, networking and doing what they can to help their community.

‘I am very proud that we have been given this internationally recognised award, which acknowledges the work members under our 2020-21 president, Nigel Little, did during a year or more which stretched everyone.’

Darlington was one of only seven of of 50 plus North East groups recognised.

The others were Alnwick, Blyth, Durham Elvet, Guisborough and Great Ayton, Hexham and Washington Forge.