TOWN centre businesses including the Forum, the Old Yard Tapas Bar and Guru Boutique were among those picking up gongs at the first ever Love Darlo

awards.

The ceremony was held in Darlington’s Hippodrome Theatre on Sunday and was attended by more than 400 people.

BBC TV antiques expert David Harper was compere as a host of businesses attended.

There were also performances from Darlington Operatic Society and Darlington Hippodrome Youth Dance theatre, followed by an after party DJ.

The winners included:

nBest customer service team: The Old Yard Tapas Bar.

nIndependent and specialist retailer: Guru

nNational retailer: Waterstones

nBest bar: Voodoo

nHair, Beauty and Health Retailer: Forty7 The Salon

nBest Café: Echo 3

nBest Restaurant: Al Forno

nProfessional / Service Industry: Clark Wallis Law Firm

nMarket Trader: Fenwicks Butchers

nLeisure and Arts: The Forum Music Centre

nShooting Star: Dan Rowlands, of Up and Running

l Fashion Retailer: Leggs

Leader of the Council, Heather Scott said: “What a fantastic first ever #LoveDarlo event, we couldn’t have asked for better engagement and support from everyone involved, in fact we are already planning for next November and hope this will become a long-term annual event for Darlington.

“Sunday wouldn’t have been possible without all of the sponsors which meant we were able to deliver a first class event so a big thank you to all of them.

“This event has undoubtedly captured the imagination of the town centre businesses and it’s fair to say we’ve been overwhelmed by the massive show of public support for and interest in the event with over 26,000 votes being cast.

“It’s heartwarming to see the town come together to celebrate all that’s great about Darlington and to see businesses recognised for their contribution in making Darlington a vibrant, thriving and buzzing place to be.”