ENTHUSIASTIC young people were rewarded for their commitment at a special ceremony.

Some 180 Halton teenagers received Duke of Edinburgh awards at The Brindley.

Halton's Mayor, Clr Margaret Ratcliffe, an award winner herself, presented the certificates.

She said: "I am well aware of the commitment and dedication required to achieve a Duke of Edinburgh award. I am really proud of the achievements of our young people and was delighted to be asked to be involved with the ceremony."

The gold winners included Michael Kelly, Alexandra Cuerden, Amy Enright, Hannah Glanvillem, and Rachel Morgan, all students at SS Peter and Paul Catholic College in Widnes.

More than 200 guests attended the event which was organised and presented by young people involved in the award.

Anna Timms, aged 16, from west Runcorn, one of the hosts for the evening, said: "It was quite nerve wracking at first to be presenting to over 400 people at The Brindley but I soon got over it.

“It was a great experience for me and a fantastic evening for us all."

Ashley School, Cavendish School, Saints Peter and Paul College, St Chads School, Bankfield School, Catch 22 Halton Youth Provision and Halton Access to Sport supported the young people through their awards.

Some of the young people who are participating in both the Mayor's Award and the D of E award raised £670 at a bag pack in Asda. The money will go towards the cost of equipment and expeditions.