A DARLINGTON business leader has confirmed that his organisation will continue to sponsor an awards programme that recognises outstanding young people in the borough.

Colin Fyfe, the recently-appointed chief executive of Darlington Building Society, said the business will support the 2015 Vibe Awards.

It will be the third year in a row that the building society has sponsored the awards, for which nominations will be sought from next month.

Schools, colleges, clubs and young people’s organisations are invited to submit names, as is anyone who wants to see an extraordinary young person recognised.

Young people aged between ten and 19 can be nominated.

The building society stepped in two years ago to save the awards event which was under threat through lack of funds following government cutbacks.

Mr Fyfe said: "I am aware of the important role Darlington Building Society played in supporting the Vibe Awards in their hour of need and I am more than happy to maintain that support.

"The Vibe Awards celebrate the achievements of young people in Darlington, often in challenging circumstances and Darlington Building Society is proud to have played a part in ensuring that this fantastic event now has a viable future.”

The awards will be held at Darlington Civic Theatre on March 24 next year.

They will honour those young people who have taken the greatest steps forward to achieve against the odds, with a special focus on those who may not normally attend award events, but have worked hard to change their own lives and the lives of those around them.

Next year’s categories will be:

* Contribution to the community;

* Contribution to the arts;

* Achievement against the odds in life;

* Achievement against the odds in learning.

The evening will also include performances by young people’s dance, theatre and singing groups.

Danny Brown, Darlington’s youth parliament member and Bayleigh Firth, who won this year’s special recognition award for achievement against the odds in learning, both from Longfield Academy, presented Mr Fyfe with a certificate thanking the building society for its support.

Councillor Cyndi Hughes, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "The Vibe Awards are a brilliant celebration of Darlington's young people and their remarkable achievements.

"Darlington Building Society has been a major sponsor of this event enabling this yearly celebration to go from strength to strength."

Other sponsors include The Northern Echo; Latimer Hinks Solicitors; Darlington College; Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College; Sherwoods; Durham Police, the NHS and Darlington Lions Club.