A MAN who is spearheading the regeneration of a Darlington estate has been put forward for an award.

As chairman of the Firth Moor Community Partnership, Bill Cook was instrumental in putting together a bid to regenerate the estate.

All his hard work paid off this week when the Government announced it was awarding Firth Moor more than £3m as part of round six of the Single Regeneration Budget.

Mr Cook's efforts have led to him being put forward for Darlington's Citizen of the Year award, even though nominations do not open until next year.

He has been nominated by the deputy leader of Darlington Borough Council, Bill Dixon.

"Bill Cook has worked tirelessly for Firth Moor, and I have no hesitation in nominating him for the award," he said.

"He has galvanised the estate, and with this cash he will finally see Firth Moor on the up again."

Mr Cook was present when One NorthEast chairman John Bridge announced the success of the bid this week.

The £3m grant will form part of a £6.8m regeneration of the area, which is aimed at tackling the root causes of its problems and giving power back to the community.

The cash will be spent on a variety of projects, including a job creation programme with help for people to get out of debt and into work, the setting up of a full-time nursery, and a health promotion programme.