HUNDREDS of people joined a celebration of youth at Darlington Civic Theatre earlier this week.

The first Positive Young People Awards were held to recognise the remarkable achievements of young people in Darlington.

More than a hundred youngsters received certificates at the event from Alasdair MacConachie, chairman of the Darlington Partnership, which was one of the event's sponsors.

Certificates were presented in three categories: outstanding achievement, contribution to the community and against-all-odds.

All the winners were nominated for awards by readers of The Northern Echo. Their parents and friends were on hand during the evening to celebrate their achievements.

The evening was jointly compered by the editor of The Northern Echo, Peter Barron, and Darlington's Youth Parliament member James Gilbey.

Mr Barron said: "It was a fantastic evening. We now hope to build on a successful night and make it an annual event."

Entertainment during the evening was provided by youngsters from the Stagecoach stage school, who performed a number of song and dance routines.

The event was sponsored by The Northern Echo, the Darlington Partnership, Peer Support 2000, Darlington Borough Council, the County Durham and Tees Valley Learning and Skills Councils, Stagecoach, and Masterfoods, suppliers of M&Ms and Starburst sweets.