NOMINATIONS for an annual competition to honour Darlington's unsung heroes close at the end of this week.

Judges will run the rule over entries in the Best of Darlington Awards next month once all the nominations are in.

The awards will feature 12 categories, with those shortlisted also in the frame to be named the overall citizen and young citizen of the year. They include contribution to the community - one for adults and one for children - sport, the arts, business and the environment. There are three student awards - for academic excellence, vocational excellence and exceptional student. The other three awards go to Volunteer of the Year, the Putting Darlington on the Map category, for someone who has made the rest of the country aware of the town, and the Darlington Thru The Lens photography section.

Two overall awards, to the annual citizen and young citizen of the year, are the highlight of the competition.

All the awards will be presented at a ceremony held at Darlington College on Friday, March 23.

Nominations must be received by Friday. The judges are due to make their decision next month. People can use the application form printed right or on the northernecho.co.uk website.

They are also available via Darlington Borough Council. For further details, contact David McGregor, at the Student Loans Company, on darlington_awards@slc.co.uk or call 01325-215426.