Darlington youngsters feel the Vibe (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Darlington youngsters feel the Vibe

8:09pm Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News By Alexa Copeland, Reporter (Darlington)

INSPIRATIONAL young people from across Darlington were honoured for their achievements in the arts, education and sport at the annual Vibe Awards.

Now in its 16th year, the awards recognise the contribution made by youngsters to the local community and tonight’s (Wednesday, March 13) Civic Theatre ceremony saw over 200 people aged between ten and 19 receive certificates.

The event was compered by Darlington’s Members of Youth Parliament, Emily O’Hara and Jack Sowerby and included lively performances from young musicians, dancers and theatre groups.

This year’s awards had a special focus on youngsters who had overcome adversity and Darlington Mayor Paul Baldwin said all involved were a credit to the town.

He said: “The Vibe Awards back when I was a teenager would have probably been called the ‘cool and groovy awards’, because that is what they are in my eyes.

“They represent some of the best of young people in Darlington who have put themselves forward, put in a lot of time and love what they are doing.

“Thanks should also go to the taxis of mum and dad who ferry them around to their schools and clubs and help make things like this happen.”

Cyndi Hughes, Darlington Council’s cabinet member for children and people, said: "The Vibe Awards is a great night and a chance to celebrate all the good work our young people do.

“These young people are a credit to themselves, their families, their schools and their community.

“Congratulations to all the nominees."

Until recently the future of the awards looked uncertain due to cutbacks in funding, but Darlington Building Society stepped in and agreed to be the principal sponsor for the next three years.

Speaking at the ceremony, the building society’s chief executive David Dodd said: “The future of our town lies with the young people of Darlington and I think we can see that it is going to be safe in their hands.”

As well as the principal sponsor, Darlington Lions Club lent its support to the awards for the first time this year and the event was once again supported by long-standing sponsors The Northern Echo, Latimer Hinks Solicitors, Darlington College, Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, Sherwoods Chevrolet, Durham Constabulary and NHS PCT.