A GROUP from Gargrave joined inspirational young people from across North Yorkshire in gaining awards for their outstanding work in their local communities.

The Lifestyle Challenge is North Yorkshire Police’s annual competition for youngsters aged between 10 and 16 who want to do something positive for their community during the summer holidays.

The 13 winning teams, who were were presented with their prizes at a ceremony held at York Racecourse, included 'All Star', which received a Community Award from the police and crime commissioner, Julia Mulligan.

'All Star' consists of Charlotte Barrett, Emily Storr, Emma Cadman-Bond, Isabel Schofield and Rebecca Pratt, who are all from Gargrave and got involved in a variety of events over the summer to raise money to improve the equipment at their local playground.

They made posters, had an arty time making their own jewellery, aprons, dolls and key rings which they then sold at a Duck Race. The held a bake sale, a bric-a-brac sale and raised a fantastic sum of money in the process. Each member of the team won a Kindle HD Fire.

PC Suzanne Asquith, a youth engagement officer for North Yorkshire Police, led the initiative. She said: “This is the second year we have run our Lifestyle Challenge and we have seen a massive increase in participants, which is fantastic news.

“We have seen some really excellent projects and a huge amount of effort has been put in by the teams who took part. The winners should be extremely proud of themselves for their ideas and for their kindness and thoughtfulness that went into their projects. They are an inspiration to everyone and more than deserve their prizes.”

Chief Constable Dave Jones said: “The awards ceremony is our opportunity to say thank you to those young people for their excellent work and for giving up their time to help their communities. They should be very proud of themselves.”

Mrs Mulligan said: “Now in its second year, the Lifestyle project is engaging scores of young people in activities that benefit their communities during school holidays, when reports of antisocial behaviour usually rise.

“It gives young people an opportunity to plan a project and see it through to fruition, which helps raise confidence, promote self-worth and acquire new skills.”

“I am delighted to be able to support this project through my Community Fund, which has so far awarded about £400k to 44 local groups, all of whom are helping to make their communities be and feel safer.”

Lifestyle is supported by Mrs Mulligan, The High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, East Coast Trains, Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, The Vale of York NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, Hiscox, the Shepherd Group, Hambleton and Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership, Selby Community Safety Partnership, Safer York Partnership, York Racecourse, McDonalds and Minster FM.