Council celebrates young people's achievements at South Ayrshire Youth Awards

The South Ayrshire Youth Awards were held at Ayr Town Hall on Thursday 3 April.

The event which celebrates the achievements of young people in our community was hosted by our Thriving Communities, Communities team and supported by local young people from the Youth Event Planning Group and Locality Youth Voice Groups.

The event sees members of local youth groups collectively decide on the venue, categories, theme, decorations, and programme. The theme of the event this year was 'Through the Decades' with the organisers going above and beyond to create fantastic 80's and 90's themed décor.

Remarkable young people aged 11-25 were nominated for awards within 11 categories, with the addition of the Overall Young Star Award being voted for on the night by attendees.

Local businesses recognised and celebrated the achievements of young people by sponsoring award categories and donating raffle prizes for the event.

Jane Bradley, South Ayrshire Council's Director of Communities and Transformation opened the event before passing over to host Alice Faulkner, News Reporter for Clyde 1.

Each award was presented by young people from local Thriving Communities youth groups with the Overall Young Star Award being presented by Councillor William Grant, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Education. All young people who took part in planning the event were presented with certificates by Councillor William Grant.

The young people were also entered into a raffle prize draw which was hosted by Provost Iain Campbell and prizes were presented by Depute Provost Mary Kilpatrick.

The winners were:

Phoenix Award- Willow Challis
Health and Wellbeing Award- Jack Dougall
Eco Action Award - Marr College LOOC Project
Community Champion Award - Jack McConnachie
Arts & Entertainment Award - Martin Calder
Learning and Achievement Award - Ayr Academy Girls Group
Young Volunteer Award (11 to 15 years) - Hayden Hudson
Young Volunteer Award (16 to 25 years) - Ashley Dunnachie
Inclusion and Diversion Award - Dalmiling Primary Anti-Racist Group
Youth Project Award - South Ayrshire Youth Events Group
Youth Voice Award - Glendoune Youth Voice
Overall Young Star Award - Dedicated to Ann Shaw - Octave Arnold

Councillor William Grant, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Education said:

"The South Ayrshire Youth Awards is a fantastic platform to recognise the hard work and dedication of our local young people.

"The meticulous planning that went into the event and support from all volunteers has been invaluable in making the event such a huge success. Congratulations to all the winners - it's very well deserved."