TEN young people who made a positive difference to their Wear Valley communities have been honoured by Durham's top crimefighting team.

Shrievalty Awards were presented by the Durham Agency Against Crime to winners aged between 11 and 19 who tackled issues such as drug abuse, bullying and teenage pregnancy. In Bishop Auckland seven girls aged 15 and 16 formed their own pressure group known as Youth Voice, which instigated a successful under 18s disco that now attracts 500 teenagers a week.

Among other achievements Claire Flatman, Katie Allaway, Laura Hairsine, Kirsty Hull, Stacey Humble, Roxanne Amir-Mohammadi and Karen Shep-herd have also produced their own video of life in Cockton Hill.

Derek Stephenson, aged 19, from Stanhope, excelled in outdoor projects including the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and joined the management committee of Stanhope youth centre where he now spends his weekends leading canoeing and hiking activities.

Samantha Jackson, 18, from Willington, joined a group of young people working with the Samaritans and helped set up and win funding for The Youth Call Centre, which offers a valuable lifeline for those in distress.

She also carries out research for the Investing in Children organisation.

From the age of 14, David Moralee, now 18, from Crook, worked as a volunteer educating other youngsters about drugs and is now a full time educator on the OutThere project.

A talented musician, he is also a volunteer disc jockey and plays music for youth and community groups,

Sgt Mick Hutchinson, of the community safety team at Bishop Auckland police station, paid tribute to the youngsters' achievements.

He said: "All the winners have made a wonderful contribution in various ways. There were 31 winners from throughout the county and ten came from out of the area.

"What they have achieved will serve them well in their own future careers and they should be very proud of their success."

The High Sheriff of Durham Mrs Elizabeth Smyth and the chairman of DAAC Peter Rowley presented the awards at two ceremonies in Durham Castle.