AN EXERCISE group for over-50s and an organisation that trains young people to support their peers have won recognition for their efforts.

Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust presented community awards to six groups that have helped improve the health of the community and its members. The overall winner was St Andrew's Youth Club in Brandon, near Durham, which was awarded £250 from the trust. Chairman of the trust, Lady Ann Calman, presented the awards at the Riverside stadium in Chester-le-Street. She said the youth club, which attracts at least 60 teenagers to the centre on Carr Avenue, had created a positive image of young people in the area.

Another group selected for commendation from the trust was the Fyndoune Peer Support Group, based at Fyndoune Community College, in Sacriston. The group trains young people to provide information and support to their peers on a range of issues, which they do during their lunch break.

The other groups short-listed from the Durham and Chester-le-Street area were;

* Pelton Exercise Group, which provides weekly exercise classes for senior citizens

* Sherburn Road Shufflers, which leads the over-50s in the Sherburn Road area of Durham on regular walks

* Young Disabled Persons' Forum which helps people aged between 14 to 30 overcome their disabilities

* The Drop-in Club, which provides play facilities for children and support for families.

The presentation was part of a day-long conference aimed at the local community and health workers.