YOUNG people in County Durham are to be honoured for their achievements in an awards scheme launched by The Northern Echo.

For the past two years, the paper has held an awards event for young people in Darlington. Now, the idea is to be extended across Durham so that young people throughout the county can be praised for their good deeds.

The Darlington event, called the Positive Young People Awards, has been staged in consecutive years at The Civic Theatre in Darlington.

Backed by the Darlington Partnership, Darlington Borough Council and npower, it has been hailed a major success.

At the latest event earlier this month, about 140 young people were honoured for their achievements and contributions to the community.

Local young talent is also celebrated at the event, with performances by singers, dancers and actors from schools and the Stagecoach organisation.

Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, said: "The Darlington version has grown into a hugely successful event and will undoubtedly go from strength to strength.

"Now it is time to spread the net further and find the young people of County Durham who deserve to be put on a pedestal."

Details of the awards will be announced soon. In the meantime, start thinking about possible nominations.