TROPHIES have been handed out to a host of inspirational young people.

The Rock Star Awards, held at the O2 Academy in Boscombe, celebrated the achievements of people aged 16-26 in Dorset and Hampshire.

This year’s awards had a street art and urban theme, with the help of renowned Poole artist Stuart Semple, who created a mural which all the finalists completed before it formed a backdrop to the ceremony.

The winners were as follows.

Creative Star: Tasha Clarke, 21, from Bridal Reloved in Dorchester.

Technology Star: Charlie Davies, 21, from CCWW in Bournemouth.

Student Star: Cecilia Bawden, 21, Bournemouth University.

Star Employer: Protect Line, Poole.

Community Star: Chandy Green, 23, volunteer.

Inspirational Star: Thomas Douris, 25, Bournemouth University.

Shooting Star: Sam Perkins, 25, Sam Howell Business Consultants, Bournemouth.

Apprentice Star: Josh Baum, 24, Insightful UX, Poole.

Young Parent Star: Alice Gray, 17, EDAS & YADAS, Poole.

Young Carer: Abby King, 17, Poole High School.

Young Care Worker: Liam Brown, 21, Aucklands Care Home, Bournemouth.

Entrepreneur Star: William St James, 24, St James Studio, Bournemouth.

Teaching Star: Oliver Cooper, 25, Shaftesbury School.

Rock Star Awards founder Angela Piromalli said: “The Rock Star Awards are nothing without the young people that really make it. The drive and determination they have never fails to inspire me and everyone involved.

“This year what really stood out to me was that every young person was celebrating that being different is cool. It’s not about sticking to the mould, it’s about being yourself and that needs to be highlighted regardless of shape, size, disability, race. I was really proud to be celebrating that specifically in the 2019 awards. Our winners and finalists are driving others to have confidence in themselves to celebrate their quirks and differences.”

This year’s chosen charities were AIMCommunity, the Bournemouth-based arts, education and mentoring project, and No Limits, an advice and support charity in Southampton.

Sponsors were: Bournemouth University, Breeze Volkswagen, Greendale Construction, Agincare UK, Bournemouth and Poole College, Teachers Building Society, Datacenta Hosting, Dorset Growth Hub, Organix Brands, Treehouse Digital, Streetwise HR, The Video Club and Global Media and Entertainment.