DERWENTSIDE District Council took a step closer to a top national award when it showcased its talents to a panel of judges from London.

The council is one of only 11 across the country to be short-listed for Beacon status for its work with positive youth engagement.

Its award-winning Spice programme is spearheading the race to Beacon status with an impressive record of working with thousands of young people across the district.

If successful, the authority will get £50,000 to continue its work engaging young people in real decision-making in their local communities.

The council's presentation to the judges at Stanley's Lamplight Arts Centre focused on young people with some lively video clips, noisy soundtracks and "confident speeches" from young people themselves.

Young People's Forum chairman Phillip Marshall, 14, and fellow members Natalie English, 16, Toula Tzamarias, 14, Nicola Penrose, 14, and Philip Howard, 14, impressed the judges with an articulate presentation of their achievements. Highlights included a referendum and two children's elections which led to the launch of the Young People's Forum - a campaigning group uniting 58 elected members with a budget of £10,000.

Judge Wasim Akhtar said he was "bowled over by the enthusiasm of the young people".

He added: "Their dedication and commitment is clear to see. I was very impressed."

Natalie English said: "We are the future of our communities and what we think really matters.

"We want to stand up and be counted - to have a voice and the power to improve lives. Spice has given us that chance."

Spice was launched in 2001 with the aim of involving young people in democracy and community issues.

Cabinet member for strong communities, Councillor Anne Taylor, said: "Spice is helping young people get involved in real decision-making with a real budget, giving them a true voice in matters that affect their lives."

The results will be announced in April 2006.