THE achievements of young people throughout the county was recognised by Youth Action Wiltshire, the charity responsible for supporting county youth clubs, at its annual meeting.

The organisation's president, Lord Lansdowne, presented trophies to youth clubs that had particularly distinguished themselves.

He handed the President's Cup, normally awarded to the club member or youth leader who has contributed most to their community, either independently or as part of their youth group, to a representative of the Wiltshire Youth Canoe Club in recognition of the efforts of the whole club in supporting their community.

The Chairman's Cup, awarded to the most successful club in the county, this year went to South- broom Youth Development Centre in Devizes for the way it has improved facilities and services to young people in the town.

Robbie's Endeavour Trophy went to Matthew Kendrick of Kennet Young Carers, a group that supports young people who look after dependent relatives, most often disabled parents or younger siblings. Matthew was recognised for being helpful, thoughtful, responsible, keen and hardworking.

Robert's Trophy, awarded to the club that has displayed the most varied programme of activities and participated in most Youth Action Wiltshire events, this year went to East Knoyle Youth Club.

The Phoenix Trophy, for the club that has risen from virtual extinction, was presented to the Walcot Amateur Boxing Club in Swindon.

A special award was made to Colin Bradley, a volunteer at Salisbury Young Carers Group.

Margaret Lamb, the youth leader in charge at the Southbroom Centre in Devizes, said: "We are very thrilled with this award, especially as it recognises the wide range of opportunities we offer to young people.

"The facilities we offer are driven by the interests of the young people themselves. If they are interested in canoeing, we lay on some canoe training. If nature conservation is their passion, we can arrange some of that. We listen very carefully to what they are saying to us, we don't arrange things because we think it is what they should be doing."

The club is open every night. In the new year, sports leadership award training will start.