YOUNGSTERS taking part in voluntary projects in the Sedgefield borough have been honoured at an awards ceremony.

Sedgefield Millennium Volunteers, launched in August last year, presented certificates of achievement at the Hardwick Hall Hotel.

Millennium Volunteers, a nationwide initiative for young people aged from 16 to 24, is operated in the Sedgefield borough by Darlington YMCA.

The Mayor of Sedgefield, Councillor Andy Gray, and Chief Inspector Terry Johnson, of Durham Constabulary, gave awards to volunteers completing 50, 100 and 200 hours of voluntary work.

Among the recipients was Vicky Watson, who has now become an outreach worker for the group, alongside Rebecca Severi.

Ann Bateman, YMCA general secretary, said at the ceremony: "I have been truly impressed by the level of commitment and enthusiasm of these young people.

"So much so, that Vicky and Rebecca are now working as members of staff for the YMCA and Millennium Volunteer outreach workers."

Development worker Joanne Jones, who organised the event, paid tribute to schools, local learning groups and other partners who have supported the youngsters.

She said: "The beauty of Millennium Volunteers is that every volunteer can do whatever it is they want to, and we can help them in whatever way they want."

Special guest, TFM radio presenter Gregg Upwards, told the youngsters: "You award winners here are a credit not just to yourselves and your families, but to the North-East."

To find out about Millennium Volunteers call Joanne Jones on (01325) 317175.

Award winners:

200 hours: Beth Tillotson, Michael Craddock, Jackie Bowstead, Nicola Smallman, Andrea Burton, David Grieves, Vicky Watson.

100 hours: Michelle Morgan, Stephen Hartnell, Mark Katoroz, Sarah Aspinal, Emma Sutherland, Stacey Ord, Tina Hind.

50 hours: Kate Roscher, Emma McCabe, Lyndi Brown, Daniel Houlihan, Karen Marshall.