NOMINATIONS are being sought for the following categories in this year's Best of Darlington awards: Contribution to Sport: Groups or individuals who have made a major contribution to sport in Darlington, either by the excellence of their own performance, commitment to organising activities, or by being role models to others in their attitude to sport. Sponsored by Polam Hall School Contribution to the Arts: Groups or individuals of any age who have made a major contribution to the arts in Darlington, either by the excellence of their own performance, commitment to organising activities, or by being role models to others in their attitude to the arts. Sponsored by DarlingtonOS Business Bringing Success to Darlington Any business in the borough can be nominated. The award will recognise a business that has recently had an extraordinary achievement which has brought benefit to Darlington. Benefit could include improving Darlington’s reputation, bringing wealth to the town or creating employment. Sponsored by Mech-Tool Engineering Business Contribution to the Community Any business in the borough can be nominated. The award will recognise a business that has made a notable contribution to the community. Activity which has benefitted people’s lives or which will have brought about a lasting improvement of some sort will be of particular interest.

Contribution to the Environment: An individual, community group or business that is having a positive impact on the environment through projects or particular initiatives, e.g.: improving wildlife habitats, reducing carbon footprint or improving open spaces. Sponsored by Groundwork North East Academic Excellence: A person who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement that deserves wider recognition. Sponsored by Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College Vocational Excellence A person who has engaged in vocational learning on a course/apprenticeship that has specialised in a particular trade or discipline and whose achievement has been outstanding. We are interested in other than the traditional academic route. Sponsored by Darlington College Exceptional Student: A student who doesn’t fall into either previous category but deserves recognition for the extraordinary effort they have made or for remaining committed to their learning in the face of adversity. Sponsored by Teesside University Volunteer of the Year: Awarded to an individual or group who has shown outstanding commitment in their voluntary field without expectation of reward or recognition. Sponsored by eVOLution Darlington Contribution to the Community (Adult) and Young Person’s Contribution to the Community (2 awards) Groups or individuals who are involved in activities aimed at improving their community. Sponsored by Darlington Borough Council (Adult) and Sherwoods Chevrolet (Young Person) Putting Darlington on the Map: For an individual, company or group, that has made the rest of the country, or wider world, more aware of Darlington during 2011. Sponsored by The Northern Echo