Darlington is asking residents to help shine a light on the people, groups and businesses making a difference across the town.
Nominations are open for the 2026 Stronger Communities Awards, with entries accepted until 5pm on Friday 11 September. The ceremony will take place at the Dolphin Centre on Friday 6 November.
The awards stretch well beyond a single idea of community service. Categories include academic and achievement, contribution to the community, environmental work, support for children and young people, public-service heroes and progress towards .
That means nominations can recognise the highly visible people leading projects, but also the quieter contributors whose work often happens without much fanfare.
Darlington Borough Council says the annual awards are intended to celebrate the people and organisations that make the town a better place to live, work and visit. Nominations can be made through the council’s official awards page.