UNSUNG heroes from the past year will be crowned for their achievements at a glittering award ceremony on Friday night.

More than 30 individuals, groups and businesses made the judges shortlist for this years Best of Darlington Awards.

The winners will be revealed at the ceremony, which takes place at Darlington College at 6.15pm. It is the fifth year the awards have been held.

There are 12 awards, plus a separate photography competition. Overall citizen and young citizen of the year announcements will also be made.

The shortlisted candidate are:

Contribution to the community (adults) - The Reverend John Elliston, Darlington Mind, Cathy Lund;

Young person's contribution to the community - Brandon Holloway, Hummersknott 900 club;

Carer of the year - Brenda Moss;

Neighbour from heaven - Jeff and Sheila Alderson, Karen Gaylor, Ann Hancock;

Putting Darlington on the map - Margaret Ledger-Scott, Hannah Marshall, Penny Porter;

Contribution to sport - Steve Davies, Thomas Denham, Brian Dobinson, George Rutherford;

Contribution to the arts - Mark Jameson, Rebecca McGarvie, Jolyon and Alice Potter;

Contribution to the environment - Chris and Liz Hodgson, Sadberge Parish Council, John Wade Group;

Contribution to business - Gallerina, Harrison Display Systems, Lingfield Point;

Academic excellence - Jonathan Coulthard, Lucy Downes, Josh Philips, Laura Williams;

Student of the year - Megan Armistead, Adam Bainbridge, Mike Ferguson, Sarah Jones, Hannah Russell;

Volunteer of the year - Jean Crosby, Noel Hemmings.

Big Snap - Susan Colley, Shane Susan Dew, Linda Taylor.

The winners will be in Saturday's The Northern Echo. A special 12-page supplement will be in Wednesday's The Northern Echo.