Entries were opened up earlier this year, with 50 flooding into the organisers.

Those shortlisted gathered at Shotton Hall for a glittering evening, with Seaham Music Academy's woodwind ensemble playing as people took to their seats.

Members of the district's youth forum, Positive Futures and East Durham Positive Inclusion Partnership also surprised those watching as they burst in to the ceremony to wow the crowd with their circus skills.

The evening also had a serious messages, with a hard-hitting presentation by members of Easington Community Science College on the dangers of climate change and the efforts they have made in school to do their bit for the environment.

The event, organised by District of Easington Council and supported by businesses and organisations, was hosted by Look North newsreader Wendy Gibson and Councillor George Patterson, chairman of the campaign's steering group and portfolio holder for liveability. Coun Patterson, who represents the Horden area, told the audience: "Last year, we really had a wonderful evening and it got quite emotional.

"We have done very well and we are proud of our people and proud of our district.

"This is what we are here to do, to celebrate. I think we have had some wonderful people here.

"There are times when we get down about our lives and complain about bad behaviour and antisocial behaviour.

"I think this demonstrates that we have got wonderful young people out there and I have to say that I think the community has seen an awful lot of dedicated people."

A wide range of different people were at the event, from 91-year-old Mabel Holdcroft, a community champion from Wheatley Hill, to seven-year-old Adam Davies, a member of the Dene Team Conservation Group.

The event, which was backed by the Mail and our sister paper the Sunderland Echo, was sponsored by the council, Dalton Park, Metro Mail, Easington Youth Forum, Easington Community Safety Partnership, Peterlee Town Council and the East Durham Local Strategic Partnership.

ROLL OF HONOUR

PRIDE IN EASINGTON CHAIRMAN'S AWARD FOR VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR UNDER 18
This award recognised those who have given outstanding service to the voluntary sector, by supporting a local group or delivering a voluntary service in the community.
Winner: Stephanie Mason, 17, from Blackhall.
Runners up: Jack Fletcher, 15, from Peterlee
Thomas Dawson, 16, from Horden.

PRIDE IN EASINGTON VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR FOR OVER 18
Winner: Jean Dixon MBE, from Haswell
Runners up: Mabel Holdcroft, Wheatley Hill
Wendy Baker, Seaham

PRIDE IN EASINGTON ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
This rewards the efforts of individuals or groups in improving the local environment.
Winner: Coast and Countryside Volunteer Rangers
Runners up: Easington Community Science College Eco Team
Castle Eden Dene Volunteer Wardens

PRIDE IN EASINGTON GROUP OF THE YEAR
The category recognises the contribution of a community group in delivering activities that improve the lives of local people.
Winner: Dawdon Adventure Club
Runner up: Coast and Countryside Volunteer Rangers
Easington SureStart Funky Friends

PRIDE IN EASINGTON YOUTH GROUP OF THE YEAR
This was set up for youth groups with members under the age of 18, with all those nominated having a positive impact on improving activities and services for other young people in their community.
Winner: Dene Team Conservation Group, which works in Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve
Runners up: Easington Community Science College Eco Team
South Hetton Youth Shelter Group

PRIDE IN EASINGTON TIDY TED AWARD
This is made to a school for its commitment to recycling and to improve their grounds and environment.
Winner: Dene House Primary School, Peterlee
Runners up: Deaf Hill Primary School
Cotsford Infant School, Horden

PRIDE IN EASINGTON ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS AWARD
Recognises the commitment of businesses which go beyond their statutory obligations to support the community and maintain a clean environment.
Winner: Mitchells@Westlea, Seaham
Runners up: East Durham Homes
The Village Florist, Horden

THE DAVID PATTISON ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR AGAINST ALL THE ODDS AWARD
Winner: Thomas Jackson
Runners up: Anne Williams, Peterlee
Wendy Baker, Seaham.