PREPARATIONS for this year's Vibe Awards, celebrating the achievements of young people across Darlington, are in full swing - and there is still time to nominate.

Dozens of youngsters have already been put forward for accolades recognising their courage and talent.

They will be honoured at a ceremony on October 4, in front of family and friends at Darlington Civic Theatre.

The initiative was previously known as the Positive Young People Awards and has been revived by Darlington Partnership, together with the borough council's youth service and The Northern Echo.

The latest youngsters to be nominated are pop star hopefuls from the Firthmoor estate.

MDH were named after the Maidendale House community centre and received a grant from the Community Initiative Fund to create a song and video.

The seven youngsters, who are aged from 11 to 15, will begin recording in September, but are seeking sponsorship from local businesses for clothes to wear in their video.

Organiser Zoe Clark said: "They're really good and we're hoping people will back us."

Anyone interested in sponsoring the group can contact Ms Clark on (01325) 462979 or 07969 901726.

Darlington Partnership chief executive Steve Rose said: "We're delighted they have been nominated for awards.

"This is the kind of positive work in the community that the Vibe Awards recognise and we would love to see more young people put forward."

Darlington Football Club is the latest company to agree to sponsor a category, following Darlington Primary Care Trust and the Learning and Skills Council.

The categories are contribution to the community; against all odds; outstanding achievement in sport; outstanding achievement in art and outstanding achievement in drama/music.

There are two age groups in each category - 11 to 16 and 16 to 19.

Anyone can nominate a young person they feel is worthy of recognition. The deadline for entries is Friday, September 10.

Additional forms and information are available from Marj Newman, at the youth service, on (01325) 388831.