A large crowd attended Rutland Young People's Awards, hosted by Rutland Youth Council on Wednesday 29 March.

The awards ceremony was a huge success with a large crowd in attendance at Rutland County Museum, on Wednesday last week.

Awards in five categories were presented at Rutland County Museum to celebrate a variety of achievements.

The award for Benefiting the Community was presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness, who said: "This award identifies a young person who has worked to benefit their community and raise awareness of the positive contribution a young person can make both to society and to their community.

"Five young people have been nominated for this award and I have no idea how the judges have distinguished between them because they all seem so amazing."

Dr Sarah Furness with the winner and runner up of the 'Benefiting the Community' winners. Image credit: LDRS.

The winner of the award for Benefiting the Community was Annabella, a young carer and an advocate within her school for carers and the difficulties that come with that role.

Runner-up was Jesse, who gives up her spare time to support young people with disabilities or additional needs.

The award for Overcoming Adversity was presented by the High Sheriff of Rutland, Geraldine Feehally, who said: "I'm going to be introducing you to eight remarkable young people who have had big challenges to face, but it is a mark of their courage and resilience that they have taken on that battle and, in my view, all eight of them are winners."

The winner was Polly, who has battled with an eating disorder since primary school, but now uses her experience to support others through a peer-mentoring scheme.

Runner-up was Kim who has overcome 'personal demons' so she now aspires to a much brighter future.

The award for the Young Person's Champion was presented by Dawn Godfrey, director of children's services for Rutland, who said: "This is an award for a young person who always considers the needs of others, placing their needs before their own working selflessly to help their peers overcome their challenges."

The High Sheriff of Rutland with the winner and runner up of the 'Overcoming Adversity' award. Image credit: LDRS.

The winner was Charlie, who uses his knowledge of chronic kidney disease to educate other young people about how to cope and overcome the challenges he faces.

Runner-up was Annabella, who has been a carer in her community and a member of the Youth Council campaigning for safe spaces for young people.

The award for Disabled Young Persons Champion was presented by Nicolas Barwell and Oliver Appleton, who said: "This is an award that recognises a young person with a disability or additional need who has supported other young people to be heard and have a voice, overcoming barriers either socially, emotionally or physically."

Alex was winner and runners-up were Joe and Keira.

The final award of the evening was for the Supergroup and was presented by Darrell Griffin, services manager, early intervention and inclusion for Rutland, who said: "This award recognises a group of people who work together to benefit the community, considering the needs of others before their own."

The joint-winners of the Supergroup were The Rutland Disabled Youth Forum which gives their time and enthusiasm to represent young people with special educational needs and other disabilities; and the Stand Up and Speak Out Group which meets regularly to discuss issues about the care system, representing the voice of children and young people in care to make sure their views are heard and to shape the way the services are run.

In closing, Ashley, who is chairman of the Rutland Youth Council, said: "We want to thank everyone for taking the time to attend and to nominate all the incredible young people we have heard about tonight."

Rutland Youth Council is made up of young people from Rutland, who meet once a month to talk about issues that affect young people and take action.

To find out more and get involved email: [email protected] or call 01572 758301.