A Darlington woman has been nominated for a national award in recognition of her voluntary work.

Samantha Lambird, of Belford Gardens, Darlington, is the regional winner for the Millennium Volunteer of the Year awards.

The 25-year-old, who has been praised for her work in the Darlington community, is in the finals for the national title.

Samantha is a volunteer with Darlington YMCA Millennium Volunteers Project.

She won her award for her role as secretary of Springfield Tenant and Residents' Association.

Samantha told judges about the good work the residents' association did for the community, including campaigning for road safety, setting up a mediation service for neighbours and improving crime prevention which resulted in reduced crime in the area.

She will attend an awards ceremony at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel, in London, on March 3, where she will be presented with her award by Ivan Lewis, Minister for Young People, disc jockey Trevor Nelson and TV presenter Sally Gray.

Amy Bousfield, 19, of Stockton will receive a highly commended award for her work at the Cornerhouse Youth project, in Stockton.