WINNERS of the first Best of Darlington awards will tonight be recognised for their outstanding contributions to the community.

Individuals, groups and businesses from across the borough will be commended for their dedication to making Darlington a thriving town, and will rub shoulders with some of the borough's leading figures at a ceremony at the TFM Darlington Arena.

Each category winner will be given £100, and the two overall winners, who have been judged to have made the most significant contribution, will be crowned Darlington's Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year.

The awards -sponsored by Darlington Football Club, organised by Darlington Partnership, and supported by The Northern Echo and Darlington Borough Council - were set up to celebrate and formally recognise dedication to the community during the past year, and to reward unpaid work or commitment beyond the call of duty in a job.

Organisers received scores of nominations for the six categories that were open for the public to put forward individuals, groups or businesses they felt made a significant difference.

Judges also had to select winners for the other four categories, the shortlists for which were made up from competitions last year, including The Northern Echo's Neighbour from Heaven and the town's Vibe awards for courageous children.

Members of the seven-strong judging panel -Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo; Ada Burns, chief executive of Darlington Borough Council; Nonnie Crawford, director of public health at Darlington Primary Care Trust; Alan Charlton, chairman of the Friends of Darlington Memorial Hospital; Darlington Mayor Councillor Stella Robson; Ian Rogers, chief officer at Darlington Council for Voluntary Services; and Steve Rose, chief executive of Darlington Partnership - said they were very impressed with the standard of entries.

The judges, along with representatives from all the award sponsors, will attend tonight's ceremony to present the prizes and meet the people who have made such an outstanding contribution to Darlington over the past year.

The event will be compered by Mr Barron.

Sponsors and supporters of the event said they were proud to be involved, and were looking forward to meeting the people who were dedicated to making a difference.

The chairman of Darlington Football Club, Stewart Davies, said: "We believe that Darlington Football Club is an integral part of the community, and by supporting these awards and helping to celebrate the achievements of those who live and work in the town, we feel we are giving something back for all the support we have had through the years.

"It is a great opportunity to recognise the good things which are being done in our community, and we are very excited about hosting the awards at the TFM Darlington Arena."

Mr Barron said: "All too often we hear bad news stories, but this is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the good work that is done by so many people in the town.

"It promises to be an excellent occasion, and one I hope will become a regular feature in the Darlington social calendar."

Alasdair MacConachie, the chairman of Darlington Partnership, said: "We are excited about tonight's event and look forward to celebrating the very best of achievements from 2005.

"Winners can be assured they have something of which they can be truly proud.

"I am especially pleased that the Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year will be announced tonight and that their very special achievements will be acknowledged and celebrated."

Ada Burns, the chief executive of Darlington Borough Council, said: "The council is delighted to be involved in a scheme recognising the excellent work that is undertaken by so many people. The winners are the real unsung heroes of our community and we are all very much looking forward to the ceremony."