BIG-HEARTED youngsters who each clocked up 200 hours of voluntary work with the Eastleigh Millennium Volunteers have been saluted at an awards ceremony.

Twenty-two young people qualified for special certificates and those able to get to the presentation evening were also handed plaques by Power FM disc jockey Des Paul in recognition of their efforts.

Millennium Volunteers project manager Donna Thornton said: "They have all fitted 200 hours of volunteering around their other commitments, which include college or university courses or working full time, and have helped the elderly, animals, other young people and children plus the environment.

"Work undertaken has been as diverse as setting up a community drama group, assisting children with special needs, building an outdoor classroom and helping at a children's club. All of their achievements have made a big impact on the local community."

Guest speaker Lesley Herbert - who formerly worked for Eastleigh Community Services and who has always been keenly involved in local volunteering - got the award evening under way before the presentation of certificates and plaques.

The young volunteers were treated to a buffet and then went to a local go-karting track to celebrate their achievement with their guests.

Those awarded certificates were: Tom Barber, Anna Stewart, Laura Pratt, Chloe Turner, Natalie Bone, Louise Small, Gemma McParland, Sarah Gowans, Christina Milton, Kevin Rowles, Maria Blades, David Skinner, Ester Withers, David Scott, Ian Yeneralski, Jennifer Hurst, Gemma West, Richard Hosey, Joe Allen, Matt Mills and Ania Waterman.

Now the Millennium Volunteers project manager is hoping that even more young volunteers will achieve their target of 200 hours and is already planning another award ceremony for the autumn.

Millennium Volunteers is a national scheme which helps 16 to 24-year-olds to become involved in volunteering.