THE search for Darlington’s unsung heroes gets underway this week with the annual Best of Darlington Awards.

The awards, organised by the Darlington Partnership and now in their eighth year, recognise the achievements made by people who live, work or study in the town in the last year.

The 2013 awards will celebrate people in 11 individual categories, with those shortlisted also in the frame to be named the overall citizen and young citizen of the year.

Both these winners will be selected by a panel convened by the Partnership, and will play a role in serving Darlington in some official capacity throughout the year.

Last year’s Citizen of the Year was Roderick Francis, who was recognised for his years of commitment to his community in Firthmoor. The Young Citizen of the Year award went to Peter Richardson for his work with community organisation Groundwork.

Best of Darlington is supported by The Northern Echo and Darlington Borough Council, alongside a number of other local businesses in the form of sponsorship.

A range of fields, including sports, arts, business, volunteering and achievements in the classroom, will be honoured.

This year’s ceremony will be held at Darlington College on the evening of Friday, March 22, and will include a buffet meal followed by the awards presentation, culminating in the announcement of the overall winners.

Nominations must be received no later than Friday, November 30.

The nomination form is also available online at thenorthernecho.co.uk and will also be placed on the Darlington Borough Council and Darlington Partnership websites.