THE outstanding achievements of dozens of young people were recognised at a ceremony last night.

The Vibe Awards were staged at Darlington Civic Theatre and saw local youngsters honoured for a host of reasons.

They had all been nominated by relatives, friends, teachers and youth workers for their excellence in music, drama, art and sport, as well as courage in the face of adversity.

The initiative, previously known as the Positive Young People Awards, was re-launched this year by Darlington Partnership.

The event was also backed by the borough council's youth service, The Northern Echo and Alpha Radio.

It was compered by Northern Echo editor Peter Barron.

Young people picked up certificates and glowing praise for their achievements in several categories.

They were: Contribution to the community; against all odds; outstanding achievement in sport, outstanding achievement in art; outstanding achievement in drama or music.

Awards were sponsored by local companies and organisations, including Darlington Primary Care Trust, the Learning and Skills Council and Darlington Football Club.

The town's MP, Alan Milburn, also sent a message to the winners.

He said: "You are great ambassadors for the town and I trust that each one of you feels proud that your efforts and abilities are being celebrated this evening.

"Darlington is proud of you and, indeed, many other young people who will help us to build a bright and positive future for everyone."

Entertainment was provided by Stagecoach theatre school.

Awards went to:

* Contribution to the Community, 11 to 16: Lauren Thompson, Jessica Goodwin, Shaun Coglan, James Mangle, Victoria Johnston, Tanya Dunbar, Leigh Howgate, Melissa Clark, Louise Renton, Vanessa Blakey, Shaun Moore, Charlotte Johnson, Jonathan Piper, Alex Podmore.

* Contribution to the Comunity, 16 to 19: Andrew Dixon, Mark Hodges, Michael Coates, Chris Young, Daniel West, Emma Flatman, Victoria McKone, Fiona Ellwood, Paul Dodsworth, Michael Johnston, Carolyn Lawton, Emily Stansfield, Sarah Atkins, Emma Graham, Toni Hoare, Vicki Brown, Andrew Watts, Darren Pearson, Rebecca Tabb, Amy McLachlan, Paul Taylor, Patsy Ryan, Michelle Carr, Michael Brennan, Rebecca Connor, Emma Watson, Jennifer Atkinson, Emma Johnson.

* Against All Odds, 11 to 16: Maxwell Taylor, James Cumiskey.

* Against All Odds, 16 to 19: Mark Watson, Anna Connolly, Liam Brown.

* Outstanding Achievement in Art, 11 to 16: Andrew Tunstall.

* Outstanding Achievement in Art, 16 to 19: Emily Carter Gibson, Kirsty Bell, Abi Cooper, Colin Atkinson.

*Outstanding Achievement in Drama/Music, 11 to 16: Tom Reed, Craig Mallaby, Esther Kelvey-Brown, Jenny Colthup, Rebecca and Helen Truran, Alex Denman, Lucy Madden, Heather Jones, Georgia McIntyre, Jake Turnbull, Victoria Parker, Filly May Sams, Michael Mason, Amanda Clixby, James Dean.

* Outstanding Achievement in Drama/Music, 16 to 19: Jonathon Ainscough, Amy Victoria Parkin, Peter Mears, Sarah Warbey.

* Outstanding Achievement in Sport, 11 to 16: Chris Close, Andrew Finn, Philip Collins, Kirsty Stephenson, Stephen Elstob, Ross Cowan.

* Outstanding Achievement in Sport, 16 to 19: Tom Smith, Carol Mohan, Adam Bates.