THE achievements of young people who took part in an alternative education scheme have been celebrated.

Students with low attendance rates at school or who risk being excluded can take part in the Impact scheme, which is designed to help them get work experience, learn social skills or secure places on foundation or Access courses at colleges.

The courses, which also started in September, teach the young people skills including DIY and how to budget on benefits.

Teenagers from centres in Stanley, Seaham and Chester-le-Street met at the Spennymoor Youth and Community Centre for a day of activities ranging from football matches and pool tournaments to craft workshops this week. Trophies and vouchers were awarded.

Vicky Hobson, one of the community education workers who helps to run the courses, said: "There has been a big change in the young people since September, in their skills and general attitude. The aim today was to bring all the centres together at one event just to show them how successful they have been since they started."