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

Over the past two years, the paper has established an annual awards event for young people in Darlington where their positive contribution to the community can be recognised.

Now, the idea is to be extended so that young people across County Durham can receive the recognition they so richly deserve.

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

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

At the latest event held earlier this month, around 140 young people were honoured for all kinds of achievements and contributions to the community.

Young talent is also celebrated at the event, with performances by singers, dancers and actors from local 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."

Further details will be announced soon - but now is the time to start thinking about who to nominate.