Stronger Communities Awards 2026

Education

Academic excellence

Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement that deserves wider recognition.

Exceptional Student

The judges will present this award to a student who does not fit into the other categories. It will acknowledge their exceptional dedication or unwavering commitment to learning despite facing adversity.

Vocational excellence

The judges are looking for someone (of any age) who has engaged in vocational learning whose achievement has been outstanding. This could be a course or apprenticeship that has specialised in a particular trade or discipline.

Business

Bringing Success to Darlington

The judges will award this to a business whose amazing achievement has been recognised on the regional, national or international stage, adding to Darlington’s reputation.

This might be in an innovation or reputation in business, public service, academia or the arts that has put Darlington on the map.

Business contribution to the community

This award recognises business with a passion and commitment to giving something back.

For instance;

• helping a voluntary or community organisation
• fundraising for a good cause
• donating time and resources to local communities. 

Independent business of the year

The judges are looking for an independent business in Darlington that has consistently exceeded expectations in serving its customers.

Sport

Performance in sport

This award will be presented to an individual or group that the judges see have excelled in their chosen sport.

Volunteers

Exceptional volunteer

The judges award this to an individual or group showing outstanding commitment in their voluntary field without expectation of reward or recognition.

This might be for;

• the length of time someone has volunteered
• the breadth of responsibility they have undertaken
• the sacrifice they have made. 

Exceptional young volunteer

The judges will award this to a young person (under the age of 25) or group of young people. They will have shown outstanding commitment in their voluntary field without expectation of reward or recognition.

This might be for;

• the length of time someone has volunteered
• the breadth of responsibility they have undertaken
• the sacrifice they have made. 

Other

Contribution to the arts

This award will be given to an individual or group who has made a major contribution to the arts in Darlington. This can be either by the excellence of their own performance, commitment to organising activities or by being role models to others in their attitude to the arts.

Contribution to the community

The judges are looking for an individual or group who are involved in activities aimed at improving where they live.

Contribution to the environment

The judges are looking for an individual, community group or business that is having a positive effect on the environment through projects or particular initiatives.

For example improving wildlife habitats, reducing carbon footprint, or enhancing open spaces.

Enhancing the lives of children and young people

The judges are looking for an individual or group that is positively influencing the lives of children and young people.

Public service hero

The judges are looking for an individual or individuals who have gone far above and beyond their duty. This could be as a one off exceptional incident or consistently in their line of work.

Anyone working in a public service role can be nominated for this award.

Net zero

The judges are looking to celebrate a business or organisation which has made a remarkable stride towards the goal of Net Zero.