IMPRESSIVE youngsters from Christchurch were awarded for their achievements at a recent prize-giving ceremony.

The annual event, which took place at Highcliffe Castle, was organised primarily by Christchurch Youth Council to reward the youngsters who had gone the extra mile during the past 12 months.

More than 50 people, nominated by youth support workers from their projects, attended to receive their certificates along with the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Sue Spittle, and Dorset County Council’s director of children’s services, John Nash.

Six musicians from the Lighthouse Youth Centre were awarded after they took part in a music-focused exchange visit to Krakow in Poland last summer.

Ash Gannicott, 17, Jenny Sutcliffe, 17, Alfie Kybert, 18, Susanna Shires, 16, Josh Askew, 19, and Chloe Woolley, 15, were all honoured for their efforts with the Lighthouse Music Project.

Other successes included a group of lads from Somerford Youth Centre who took part in a series of DJing workshops.

There were also youngsters from Burton Youth Centre, in Sandy Plot, who have taken on the role of young workers at the centre.

Steve Cox O’Rourke, senior youth worker for Christchurch at Dorset County Council said: “We want to celebrate young people’s achievements outside of school.

“We’re pleased with their positive attitude and the variety of projects they’ve been involved with,” Mr O’Rourke added.

As well as the awards presentation, the event included live music from young musicians at The Lighthouse Youth Centre and also a series of magic tricks performed by young magician Oscar Matthews.