From Louise Raymond, Exeter 383578, July 03, 2008

YOUNG PEOPLE from across Devon were applauded at a special ceremony to celebrate achievement this Saturday.

The second Young People's Achievement Awards, hosted by Devon County Council and sponsored by Devon's Children's Trust, were held at County Hall in Exeter. Finalists in each of the seven categories attended, and all received certificates and medals from record-breaking mountaineer Jake Meyer.

The winners in each category received a trophy and £100 towards a project or activity of their choice.

Winners were: Staying Safe, Alice Johnson from Clyst St Mary; Healthy Lives, Martin Jones from Exeter; Participation, Rachel Tuckett from Chudleigh; Positive Futures, Samuel Rudd from Combe Martin and Jody Thomas from Kingsteignton; Education, Damian Dunscombe from Exeter and Kasha Stuckey from Braunton; Community, Beth Morgan from Exeter; Group, Young Devon My Life from East Devon -and runner-up SWITCH group from Bideford.

Councillor John Smith, Devon County Council's Executive Member for Children and Young People's Services, attended the event. Cllr Smith said: "We were pleased to host this second annual event, which pays tribute to some very special young people in Devon.

"All the finalists were winners in their own right, and I'd like to congratulate them all on their superb achievements.

"My sincere congratulations to the category winners, whose outstanding work to improve their own lives and the lives of others are a shining example to us all."

Director of Children and Young People's Services, Anne Whiteley added: "This event is a fantastic way to recognise the many individual and collaborative efforts that young people in Devon are making towards their own personal goals.

"Some of the journeys that these young people have taken haven't always been easy, but with the courage and determination they have shown, they have proven that anything is possible. All the finalists should feel really proud of themselves."

Ends

Note to News Eds: Photos of all the winners are available - please contact the press office.

Councillor John Smith can be contacted on 01626 772223.