A CELEBRATION of citizenship work by young people in Wyre Forest has taken place at Kidderminster Town Hall.

The event, which was attended by almost 200 people, recognised the positive contribution children and teenagers have made to their local communities in the past academic year.

Safer Wyre Forest and The ContinU Trust, a charitable partnership of local secondary schools, organised the evening.

Kathryn Washington, chairman of Safer Wyre Forest, said: “It is clear that there are many young people in the district who make positive contributions to their communities, families and schools and it is great to be able to come together like this, recognise the good work that they do and show them how proud we are of them and what they achieve.

“Our organisation, which is part of North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership, was delighted to have had the opportunity to work with The ContinU Trust again to put on this worthwhile event.”

The evening was used to present the new Be The Change awards, which recognise year 12 students who have made an outstanding contribution to the local and wider community.

Michael Conroy-Harris, collaboration co-ordinator at The ContinU Trust, said: “People responded very positively to the idea of a formal award for our inspiring young people who give so much.

“It is amazing to see how much they can do for others and still keep up their studies and by working in partnership we can promote and encourage their hard work and commitment.”

Forty-six young people from eight secondary schools were presented with badges by Bill Longmore, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, in recognition of signing up as year 10 community ambassadors, while the winners of the young citizens’ challenge also received a trophy.

The challenge, which involved more than 1,000 primary school pupils working through mock safety scenarios presented by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and West Mercia Police, was won by Lickhill Primary School in Stourport.