Rutland Lions has presented two of their 2025 Community Service Awards to secondary school pupils to celebrate young people who have been giving back to their community. 

Every year, a prize is donated to a pupil at the four senior schools in Rutland, with the first two already being presented at Harington School and Catmose College. 

As part of the award, the recipient receives a certificate, £100 for themselves and £200 to donate to the charity they support. 

The first student to receive this award this year is Angus Lees, who is in Year 12 at Harington School. 

Angus first joined 1st Ketton scout club as a beaver cub when he was six and is now a young leader there. 

Angus Lees outside Harington School with his certificate (Photo: Rutland Lions)

'I know how important it is to give back,' said Angus, 'Scouting is a social thing, but also you learn about communication and leadership. I want to go travelling and it will also help with that.' 

Upon presenting the award, Peter Hems, member of the Lions Community Service team, said: 'it won't come as a surprise to hear that Angus has nominated Ketton Scouts as his charity of choice.' 

Rutland Lions member Peter Hems presenting Angus with his certificate (Photo: Rutland Lions)

The second award was presented to Lucie Parsons, age 16, from Catmose College. 

She is on the Rutland Youth Council, school council, work with environmental groups, and has spoken at conferences aimed at geographers and scientists. 

'When I was nice,' said Lucie, 'I was watching Blue Peter and got upset because a mother whale had eaten plastic, which affected her milk for her calf. 

'It's always in the back of my mind that I want to do more.' 

Lucie chose Cancer Research UK as her charity and was presented with her award by Rutland Lions President, Allan Grey, at the charity shop in Oakham.