TWO volunteers from the Darlington branch of a national charity have been nominated for awards recognising their work.

Rachel Dyne, 24, and Yasmin Kirk, 21, both from the town, work with the Tees Valley YMCA and have been nominated as part of the organisation’s Youth Matters awards.

Ms Dyne has been shortlisted for a Global Link Award, one of three young people from across England, in recognition of her commitment to learning, engaging and participating in sustainable international partnerships with other YMCAs and young people from across the world.

She said: “It is such a great feeling to be shortlisted for a Youth Matters Award. I have had had the chance to get involved in some amazing projects and experiences since coming to the YMCA and now I am up for an award.

“I am really excited about the online vote and hope everyone will vote for me - to make it to the final judging panel would be amazing.”

Ms Kirk has been nominated in the Young Volunteer of the Year category, for dedicated young people who have selflessly contributed their time, energy and skills.

Nominees across five categories will battle it out in an online vote before a final stage where they will be judged by a high profile panel.

Online voting is now live and open to everyone through the YMCA website at ymca.org.uk/awards.