A CELEBRATION to mark the achievements of dozens of young people in Darlington has been held.

Certificates were presented to 80 young people who have gained a qualification thanks to Darlington Borough Council's Youth Service training programme.

In the past year, more than 350 young people from Darlington have taken accredited courses run by the council's Youth Service.

The courses, which are open to 13 to 19-year-olds, cover a range of subjects, including peer mentoring, sexual health and gambling awareness.

All of the courses are run at the council's youth clubs around the town and give young people the chance to learn new skills and discuss important issues.

At the ceremony, which was held at Darlington Football Club, short films made by some of the young people as part of their courses were shown.

Chris McEwan, the council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "They have all worked in their own time to take these courses and they should be very proud of what they have done."