MARIE Draper and Geeta Uppal have been working behind the scenes for years, improving life for scores of youngsters in Southampton.

Now the two youth workers have attracted attention from the top man. Today they are off to 10 Downing Street to meet Tony Blair.

They will receive a personal thanks from the PM and wife Cherie at the reception for people who have carried out outstanding work in the community.

Marie, 28, became a Millbrook youth co-ordinator two years ago, thanks to funding by the Outer Shirley Regeneration.

In that time, she has put up goalposts on the estate, obtained a burger van to sell hot drinks to youngsters and organised the biggest festival Millbrook has ever seen.

Today's event comes just weeks before she quits her post to move to youth organisation Connexions, based near Fareham.

"I am pretty nervous but very excited about meeting the Prime Minister," said Marie, who works from the OSR office in Irving Road.

Newtown-based Geeta, 31, is vice-chairman of Art Asia, an organisation that promotes South Asian art through education and outreach.

She is also works at Southampton Institute with youngsters and adults who would never normally go into higher education to encourage them to think differently about learning.

"A lot of children who come on our workshop days have a lot of potential. They can really shine," she said.

"It's a great honour to be going to meet the Prime Minister. I feel very proud. It's nice that there is recognition for this type of work."

Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead, who put the pair forward for the reception, said: "I was delighted to be able to recommend Marie and Geeta, who have both worked tirelessly to improve opportunities for young people in Southampton."

GEETA UPPAL:

Geeta has been involved with Art Asia since November 2001, and for the last three years has also worked at Southampton Institute. In that time she has:

Promoted South Asian arts in the region.

Helped to organise a huge cultural festival in Southampton's Hoglands Park, attended by some 10,000 people.

Run activities for youngsters at the Art Asia centre in Radcliffe Road.

Acted as governor for Maytree Infant School, in Derby Road, St Mary's.

Helped scores of youngsters and adults into higher education through her work with the Aim Higher programme at Southampton Institute.

Run workshops and camps for children from deprived areas in the city.

MARIE DRAPER:

Marie has been employed by Outer Shirley Regeneration for the past two years as a youth worker. In that time she has:

Organised the six-week Millbrook SO16 festival, the first of its kind in the area. Hundreds of children took part in the summer of free activities, ranging from cheerleading to rugby training. Police even recorded a drop in antisocial behaviour during the festival.

Set up eight goalposts in parks on the estate.

Taken scores of kids on residential trips to Scotland and the New Forest's Fairthorne Manor.

Secured funds for and set up regular Saints in the Community football training on Mansel Park, Millbrook.

Made grant applications for young people's projects, which has led to money being handed out to drama groups, community projects and even some youngsters who wanted to go on a Jubilee Sailing Trust expedition.

Secured funding for the new So Hot drinks cart, which will act as a mobile youth centre, dishing out refreshments to youngsters in Mansel Park.