JUDGES of the first Best of Darlington awards yesterday praised people across the borough for their community spirit.

Winners of the awards - the first of their kind to be held in Darlington - were selected by a seven-strong judging panel of community leaders, who said they were thoroughly impressed with the standard of entries.

The awards were set up to celebrate dedication to the community during the past year, and reward unpaid work or commitment beyond the call of duty in their everyday jobs.

Organisations across the borough were keen to lend their backing to the awards, which are sponsored by Darlington Football Club, organised by Darlington Partnership and supported by The Northern Echo and Darlington Borough Council.

Floods of nominations were received for individuals, groups and businesses who were judged to have made a significant contribution to business, arts or the community, or in their roles as public servants or carers.

Judges also selected an outstanding young person, sports person, volunteer and neighbour from entries to competitions that were held last year, including The Northern Echo's Neighbour From Heaven scheme and the town's Vibe Awards for courageous youngsters.

The winners - each of whom will win £100 - will be announced at a ceremony at the TFM Darlington Arena on Friday, March 10, which will be attended by some of the leading community figures in the region.

A citizen and young citizen of the year will then be selected as overall winners from the individual categories.

Yesterday, members of the judging panel hailed the standard of entries.

Chairman of the judging panel Peter Barron, Editor of The Northern Echo, said: "The winners will not be revealed until the night, but they certainly represent the best of Darlington in terms of their talent, dedication, and contribution to the community.

"The judges had an incredibly difficult task in choosing from an excellent range of candidates, but the final list is one which will do Darlington proud."

Ada Burns, chief executive of Darlington council, said: "I am delighted to see so many nominations for people who have made a real difference to the town and the people who live here."

Councillor Stella Robson, Mayor of Darlington, said: "The Best of Darlington awards have shown yet again how many people in the town are working to help others and create a true community spirit.

"It was an honour to judge these awards and to read all the nominations, which were worthy winners in their own right."

Nonnie Crawford, Darlington Primary Care Trust director of public health, said: "It's been inspirational hearing of all the good work that is going on in Darlington.

"There are so many people of all ages contributing selflessly to our community."