A GREENGROCER who has worked on a market for nearly 50 years has been named Darlington's Citizen of the Year.

Robin Blair and the town's former youth MP Ashleigh Trevarrow picked up the top two awards at the Best of Darlington Awards on Friday.

The fourth annual awards to honour the towns unsung heroes featured a record 75 nominations.

Nominees were joined by family and friends at the prize presentation held at Darlington College. Winners received £100 and a framed certificate to commemorate their achievements.

Indoor market trader Mr Blair, who was one of the nominees for the business award, won Citizen of the Year.

Markets manager Peter Wilson, who nominated Mr Blair, said: "I'm thrilled that Robin has been recognised with the Citizen of the Year award.

"He is a true ambassador for the town. He has a real heart and enthusiasm, not just for the market, but for the town as well, which shows in everything he does.

"He thoroughly deserves this fantastic acknowledgement."

Ashleigh, a student at Carmel RC College, was nominated by her learning mentor Amanda Duggan. She won the young person's contribution to the community.

Ms Duggan said: "Ashleigh recognised that there was little to do for young people in Darlington especially those with musical talents so she submitted an application to the DOSH fund and secured £12,000 to organise Newblood Live, a fortnightly music event at Darlington's Forum.

"Newblood has been a real success for the town and because of Ashleigh's hard work and dedication the social scene for young people has really improved in the town.

"She was a really deserving winner of this award."

The winners were picked from 13 individual categories.

The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, who built the first steam locomotive in the country for 50 years, won the new Putting Darlington on the Map award, for raising the profile of the town.

Claire Hunter, a student from Darlington College, won the student of the year, after completing an IT course despite losing one baby and giving birth to its surviving twin.

Other winners were Nicole Burlinson, Red Hall Dance Company, Pete Roberts, Student Loans Company, Harrowgate Hill Primary School, Brioni Aston, Anne Cork, Alistair Brown, Lee Peverley, Abigail Atkinson and Volunteer Car Service.

Duncan Bannatyne, whose health firm is based in the town, also picked up a special achievement award.

* For pictures of the awards and more details see The Northern Echo on Monday.