Darlington's Citizen of the Year has urged people to recognise the town's unsung heroes.

Gordon Pybus, chairman of campaign and support group Darlington Association on Disability, has spoken not only of his personal pride, but that of his organisation, of winning the 2011 Darlington Citizen of the Year award.

Mr Pybus, and young winner Antonia Puccio, will be on the judging panel for this year's award.

He said: "When you work in an organisation like I do, when you win something that is obviously given to an individual, it is to shared by the organisation. Fellow trustees, staffand members were also pleased and proud that I won it.

"I have just done what I have always done and sometimes that means I might upset people. If you are known for campaigning and fighting for rights and someone gives you a pat on the back for it, it gives me a message that what I have done must be right."

The annual citizen and young citizen of the year awards are the highlight of the Best of Darlington Awards. The award was inaugurated in 1995 by then council leader John Williams, and was won in its inaugural year bycampaigner Pat Gibson.

Since 2006, it has become under the auspices of the Best of Darlington Awards. Next year's awards will be presented on Friday, March 23, once again at Darlington College.

The awards will feature 12 categories, with those shortlisted also in the frame to be named the overall citizen and young citizen of the year.

There are awards for contribution to the community - one for adults and one for children - sport, the arts, business and the environment. There are three student awards - for academic excellence, vocational excellence and exceptional student. The other three awards go to volunteer of the year, the Putting Darlington on the Map category, for someone who has made the rest of the country aware of the town, and the Darlington Thru The Lens photography section.

Nominations must be received by November 25. The judges are due to make their decision in December. People can use the application form printed today or on our website at northernecho.co.uk They are also available via Darlington Borough Council.

For details contact David McGregor, at the Student Loans Company, on darlington_ awards@slc.co.uk or call 01325-215426.