TWO dedicated Darlington social workers have had their efforts recognised at a national awards ceremony.

Penny Jackson and Joseph Robb, who work in children’s and adult services for Darlington Borough Council, were shortlisted in the prestigious Social Worker of the Year awards.

Ms Jackson, who works in adult mental health services, won a silver award in her category – mental health social worker of the year.

She was presented with her award by care leaver and BBC news reporter, Ashley John-Baptiste.

She said: "I was surprised and really pleased to find out that I had been nominated for Mental Health Social Worker of the Year. I was even more surprised when I won a silver award. It was great to be able to represent Darlington and to hear about good practice elsewhere."

Mr Robb, an advanced practitioner in the Keeping Families Together team, was a finalist in the practice educator category.

He said: “This nomination was a complete surprise, I am very grateful to judges, my colleagues and the students I have supported who nominated me for this award. This nomination would not have been possible without the fantastic support I receive from fellow practice educators, my team and managers.

“To have two social workers shortlisted for a national award shows the fantastic work social workers are doing in Darlington.”