TWENTY-FOUR young people have been recognised for making a difference to Fareham children by laying on a series of fun-filled activity nights.

The teenagers, all aged 14 and over, have just completed a year-long project to encourage junior members of their youth group to develop their social and personal skills.

Evenings including a bin bag fashion show were put on for ten and 11-year-olds at X-perience in Fareham, Odyssey in Portchester and Genesis in Locks Heath.

The young workers are trained in group work, child protection and health and safety. They were presented with certificates in recognition of their involvement with the scheme by Hampshire County Council chairman John Bryant in a ceremony at the X-perience Young People's Centre.

Youth worker Sam Martin, who manages the centre, said: "They have been so responsible and committed and have worked incredibly hard. There were high expectations put on them and the work they have done."

Cllr Bryant added: "I congratulate them on their achievements."

The young people honoured were Greg Readings, Chris Brown, Sarah Carruthers, Tristan St Ledger, Laura Brown, Kirsty O'Connor, Aaron Burdfield, Jodie Burdfield, Michelle O'Hara, Daniel Smith, Thomas Cole, Lee Garrathy, Sam Parker, Grace Piper, Terence Fryatt, Phil Marlow, Emilie Tonge, Ruth Fox, Kirk Taylor, Christine Price, Michael Gamble, John Hole, Sam Hall and Kieran Mills.

The project has been running at X-perience, a multi-use young people's centre in Trinity Street, for ten years.

Many of the youngsters will put their experiences towards a Duke of Edinburgh Award.