POLICE officers are launching a force-wide scheme to recognise the selfless children and teenagers going above and beyond to help members of the community.

The Darlington Neighbourhood Policing Team have announced the new Young Heroes Awards initiative to honour young people in Darlington and the surrounding villages.

The scheme which is being launched across the Durham Police force, is an opportunity to highlight the good things that youngsters are doing within our community that often go unnoticed, and reward them for doing so.

Each month a nominated young person will be awarded and will be invited to be presented with their award by Darlington Neighbourhood Inspector Chris Knox.

A Darlington Police spokesman said: "After 12 months of nominations, all of the young heroes will be celebrated at an awards evening at a ceremony within the beautiful grounds of The Hall Garth Golf and Country Club Hotel.

"We are looking for individuals that are 18 years of age or below, that have been involved in an act of kindness or bravery within their community, or a young person that you believe deserves recognition."

Nominations can be submitted via email. The message must include details of why the young man or woman should be considered to be a young hero for the area.

The spokesman added: "We look forward to reading some of the fantastic achievements our local young people have been involved with."

  • Nominations should be sent to darlingtonyoungheroes@durham.pnn.police.uk
  • Alternatively, search for the #YoungHero hashtag on social media.