EXEMPLARY young people who have shown their selfless personalities by helping others in school have been rewarded for their behaviour as they face a bright future ahead.

Dozens of members and guests of the Rotary Club of Darlington gathered together for on the highlights in the club's calendar, which honours outstanding schoolchildren from across the town.

The Austin Brooks Youth Awards are given in memory of the late Mr Brooks, who is remembered fondly by former students and parents who knew him as the headmaster of Longfield, in Darlington.

He taught at the new school from 1966 where he remained until his retirement in 1993. The keen Rotarian was awarded the highest Rotary honour of a Paul Harris Fellowship in 2008 before his death a year later.

This year's Austin Brooks Youth Awards were hosted by Rotarian Kevin Robinson, who helped celebrate the achievements of young students coming to the end of five years of secondary education.

All secondary schools in Darlington are asked to nominate a student who has shown model behaviour, admirable conduct and clear respect for their peers and school community.

As part of the awards, each students receives a £50 token to spend on books or items of their choice, as well as a framed certificate presented to them on the day.

The winners of this year's Austin Brooks Youth Awards are: Cameron Andrews of Polam Hall School; Ellis Creighton of St Aidan's C of E Academy; Hana Dodsworth of Haughton Academy; Jessica Hunter of Longfield Academy; Isabelle Robinson of Hurworth School; Lydia Shale of Wyvern Academy; Jordon Thompson Green of Beaumont Hill Academy; Sarah Turver of Carmel College; and Abbie Wishart of Hummersknott Academy.

Rotarian Tony Marshall said: "Before receiving their awards, a Rotarian table host reads out a brief testimonial from their school as to why the chosen individual merited the nomination.

"In these letters there are some heartwarming tributes to their skills and activities, some achieved under difficult circumstances. Many help out with local charities and others assist in the mentoring of other pupils.

"All are a credit to their families, friends, their school and the town."