YOUNG volunteers have been recognised for their contribution to the Hartlepool community.

A group of Millennium Volunteers were presented with awards at a ceremony at the town's Historic Quay.

Together they have clocked up thousands of hours of unpaid service to charities and community groups.

More than 600 young people aged between 16 and 24 are registered as Millennium Volunteers in Hartlepool, working for a variety of projects including Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group, Hartlepool Dyspraxia Group and the fc4u (Future Crew For You) young peoples' network.

There were two award categories - one for those who contributed 100 hours of voluntary service and the Award of Excellence for those who have completed 200 hours.

Groups which offered placements to Millennium Volunteers were also recognised with Group of the Year awards presented to Hartlepool Sixth Form College and Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group.

Paul Thompson, project co-ordinator for MV Hartlepool, said: "Millennium Volunteers is an excellent way for young people to get involved in their local community. It provides young people with worthwhile and valuable experience and allows them to build skills and confidence."

The Hartlepool Millennium Volunteers were presented with their awards by Hartlepool Borough Council chairman Carl Richardson, who said: "We are so often bombarded with negative stereotypes of young people so it is a pleasure to present awards to those who have contributed so much of themselves to the benefit of others."