15279/1YOUNGSTERS praised for contributing to their community were rewarded at the first ever Wiltshire Awards on Friday.

The award recognises qualities in young people aged between 13 and 19 and is designed to be a springboard to other prizes for personal achievement such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Wiltshire County Council cabinet member for education and youth development, William Snow, presented the winners with their awards.

He said: "This recognises young people's personal qualities for which they may never have received any kind of recognition before.

"Giving young people a tangible reward raises their self-esteem and helps them sustain their learning and development.

"For some young people other awards may be too big for a first step.

"The Wiltshire Award introduces young people to awards and give them the skills and self-belief to go on to other awards.

"We need to value young people and help them make the most of their lives and give them belief in their own skills. In gaining the Wiltshire Award they will have shown the capability to learn from their youth work experiences."

Three youngsters from the Devizes area won the first Wiltshire Awards.

The award is offered by any organisation working with young people in Wiltshire that registers with the youth development service and whose staff or volunteers are checked by the Criminal Records Bureau.