POPULAR comedian Patrick Monahan is to compere an Oscars-style awards night to recognise the achievements of young people.

The award-winning stand-up comic will host the Vibe Awards at Darlington Civic Theatre from 6.30pm on March 11.

More than 300 nominations 100 more than last year have been received for the annual awards which highlight the outstanding achievements of the youth of Darlington between ages of ten and 19.

There are five categories and two new awards the Special Recognition Award and the Star Vibe Award.

This is the 18th year the awards event has been held, and Darlington Building Society is Principal Sponsor for the second time, with support from a number of other, long-standing, category sponsors from the business and local community: The Northern Echo; Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College; Latimer Hinks Solicitors; Sherwoods Vauxhall; Durham Constabulary; Darlington College; Darlington Lions Club and Darlington Borough Council.

The evening will feature performances from Redhall Dance Company, Stagecoach Theatre Arts School, Crash the Car Mum (a band from QE), School of Rock and Pop, and Hurworth School Choir.