YOUNG entrepreneurs came up with their own awards to recognise the contribution small businesses make to their local community.

Teenagers Jake Todhunter and Michelle Hindson – both 15 – staged the D13 Shop of the Year awards recently to show their support for independent businesses in Darlington.

The pair, who set up their events company D13 Events earlier this year, handed certificates to shops throughout the town on Small Business Saturday, held on Saturday December 7.

Their shop of the year award went to Guru Boutique and the runners-up were The Unicorn Tree, Bliss Gifts and the Retro Sweetshop.

Jake said: “In setting up our own business we have got to know a lot of the small traders in Darlington and have realised how much of a disadvantage they can be at sometimes.

“We wanted to show our support and highlight what they do.

“The businesses were all chosen for different reasons. The Unicorn Tree was because we wanted to show support for a new business and we really liked the lady’s shop.

“Bliss Gifts we chose because they recently moved to new premises and they make great displays and are really friendly.

“Retro Sweetshop do something different by delivering their sweets late at night and Guru was chosen because the staff make everyone feel welcome.

“They were all really surprised to get their awards, nobody expected it.

“We’d like to see everyone in Darlington working together to support each other, care for each other and create a community spirit.”

For more information about D13, visit d13events.com.