SOUTHAMPTON'S youth service staff are among the first in the country to receive a new nationally recognised award.

The 13 members of staff were presented with their National Occupational Stand-ards for Youth Work Stage 1 certificates at a special ceremony on Wednesday.

Southampton Youth Services has been working as part of a consortium including Hamp-shire Youth Service, the Isle of Wight Youth Service and Eastleigh College to provide the nationally accredited training for youth workers award.

The workers were presented with their certificates by the head of the city's youth service division George Davidson at the City Base in French Street, Southampton.

All of the youth workers compiled a portfolio of evidence of their youth work practice.

They have covered areas like establishing relationships and maintaining dialogue with young people and working in ways which promote equality of opportunity, participation and responsibility.

George Davidson said: "Southampton City Youth Service is very proud of its achievements in supporting the development of its staff.

"The youth work certificate is the first time back into learning for a long time for some people. The training has a direct impact on the quality of provision for younger people."