NOMINATIONS are still being sought for people who deserve to win a Best of Darlington award, which aim to reward the unsung heroes of the borough.

The awards, in their second year, were set up to commemorate the unpaid efforts and achievements of people in the Darlington community, to help it become a more vibrant place.

Any group or person of any age who has carried out work for free, or above and beyond the call of duty in the Darlington borough, is eligible to win.

Seven categories are open for nomination in the awards, which are sponsored by Darlington Football Club, organised by Darlington Partnership and supported by The Northern Echo and Darlington Borough Council.

People can put forward individuals or groups who have made outstanding contributions in business, the arts, the environment or the community. Nominations for sports people, carers, and students are also invited.

The event's panel of judges will select winners of the volunteer, neighbour and young person categories, based on nominations for awards schemes held in Darlington earlier in the year.

Winners will be invited to a ceremony at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena on Friday, February 16, which will be attended by some of the town's leading community figures, and will each win £100.

From the category winners, an overall Darlington Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year will be chosen by the judges.