This Hartlepool dance crew is seventh in the world - now find out why it is forever grateful to The Best of Hartlepool Awards

Zac Healey, from streetdance crew Ruff Diamond, hailed the annual awards as a ‘fantastic event,’ and said winning an award was one of the crew’s proudest achievements.

The talented dancer who also runs dance academy Urban Rockz in the town, performed at the award ceremony in both 2012 and 2013 and the crew scooped an award for their talents.

Praising the ceremony, Zac, said: “As leader of Ruff Diamond, I can speak on behalf of the crew when I say that the ‘Best of Hartlepool Awards’ is a fantastic event and to be presented with an award is a huge achievement.

“We had the pleasure of performing at the award ceremony in 2012 and again in 2013.

“On both occasions, it was huge honour to share the room with an array of local talent, and for us to win an award on both evenings is one of the crew’s proudest achievements.

“To be recognised by your own community of Hartlepool is very humbling and it gave Ruff Diamond a massive sense of pride.

“The support shown to the crew, over the years, by the fantastic people of this town is incredible and we are forever grateful.”

This year has been an incredible one for the crew, who were ranked seventh in the world after performing at the World Championships in Arizona.

The crew called the achievement ‘culmination of 10 years of hard work’ and is now discussing its next move in the dance industry.

Zac added: “As local boys we are excited to see the next generation of inspirational people from the town.

“We wish everyone a fantastic evening at this year’s awards.”

This year’s awards have also been sponsored by Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees NHS Clinical Commissioning Group; Hartlepool Sixth Form College and Utility Alliance, along with Hart Biologicals, Stagecoach North East and Specsavers.

Now we are calling on you to nominate individuals who deserve a Best of Hartlepool Award and for the first time this year there is a special category for talented youngsters called the Young Performer of the Year.

Those nominated in that category will get to compete in their own big event in front of a live audience on October 30 at Hartlepool Sixth Form College.

The top three from the evening of great entertainment will go on to compete at the grand finale of the overall awards.

After the young performers’ night, the judges will meet to draw up a shortlist for all the categories in early November.

And then comes the grand final, which will be held at Hardwick Hall on Tuesday, November 21.

To nominate someone for an award please send your entries by post to Lynn Wild, Hartlepool Mail, Alexander House, Rainton Bridge Business Park, Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland. DH4 5RA.Alternatively email: [email protected].

The deadline for all entries is Monday, October 23.

l Young Performer of the Year (under 21)

lGreen Champion

l Student of the Year

lFundraiser of the Year

l Volunteer of the Year

lSporting Excellence

l Community Group

l Community Champion

l Child of Courage

l Child of Achievement

l Emergency Services Award

lCarer of the Year

lNeighbour of the Year

l Sports Team of the Year

lRole Model of the Year

lLifetime Achievement Award