A GRANDFATHER who has enriched the lives of young people in a community during 40 years of voluntary youth work was rewarded for his efforts yesterday.

Ronnie Harrison was presented with the Chairman's Medal by Durham County Council chairwoman Councillor Edna Hunter.

Mr Harrison, 70, who lives in Stanley, began his work with young people as a volunteer with a summer play scheme and a juvenile jazz band, the Stanley Foresters.

After training as a youth worker, he worked at Stanley Youth Centre and Burnhope Youth Club before his full-time job as an engineer frequently took him outside the UK and threatened to sever his links with them.

Determined to continue his work with young people, he remained involved by becoming a committee member of Stanley Youth Centre, and ultimately its chairman.

Mr Harrison said: "Getting this reward has been very emotional.

To be selected out of all the volunteers doing similar work is a privilege.

"I would like to accept this award on behalf of all volunteers."

Senior area youth worker Gillie Littlemore said: "Ronnie has always been an active member of the committee, supporting the development of the centre through fundraising and lobbying for better services for all young people in the area.

"He has also attended many national events, conferences and committees representing the interests of young people and the youth services in the Stanley area."

Mr Harrison is secretary of Stanley Youth Centre and president of Youth Clubs County Durham.

Coun Hunter, who ends her term as chairwoman today, said: "I am thrilled that one of my last official acts, both as a Durham county councillor and as chairwoman of the council, will be to present a Chairman's Medal to such a deserving recipient as Ronnie Harrison.

"In launching the award last year, my intention was that it would be presented to individuals, groups and organisations in recognition of significant achievement and outstanding effort in all walks of life.

"Ronnie has worked tirelessly on behalf of young people for almost 40 years, and in doing so has enriched the lives and improved the life chances of countless young people."