HUNDREDS of youngsters received awards to recognise their achievements in the first part of an annual ceremony last night.

Many more of the 616 young people involved will pick up their accolades in the final presentations of the Vibe Awards tonight. Held by Darlington Borough Council's Youth Service, awards are being given in the following categories: Contribution to the Community, ages eight to 12; Against All Odds, ages eight to 12; Outstanding Achievement in Sport, ages eight to 12; Outstanding Achievement in the Arts, ages eight to 12; Outstanding Achievement in Learning, ages eight to 12; Contribution to the Community, ages 13 to 19; Against All Odds, ages 13 to 19; Outstanding Achievement in Sport, ages 13 to 19; Outstanding Achievement in Arts, ages 13 to 19; Outstanding Achievement in Learning, ages 13 to19.

Contribution to the Community and Against All Odds awards were presented last night, and tonight, the Outstanding Achievements in sport, arts and learning ceremony will be held.

All nominees will receive an award.

For a full report about the awards, see tomorrow's Northern Echo.