A TEAM of young performers has been rewarded for sharing their skills with children with a top award.

Jackass Theatre Group, in Crook, County Durham, won the regional Millennium Volunteer of the Year Award in the arts category.

Through the Millennium Volunteers scheme, a department for education and skills initiative encouraging 16 to 24-year-olds to volunteer, the group holds drama workshops and activities.

It aims to help youngsters become stronger performers, gain confidence and improve communication skills.

The 11 members have also been involved in drama camps and are working on a film project while still maintaining their own busy schedules of study and work.

Most recently they were among 1,000 young people who attended a four-day Big Youth Theatre Festival in Epping Forest, which uses drama to raise awareness of environmental issues.

Member Michael Gent said: "Volunteering helps community spirit and gives you the chance to meet other young people. The experience of the street theatre has given the team confidence, and the public had a positive reaction."

Ivan Lewis, minister for skills and vocational education, said: "The Millennium Volunteer of the Year Awards recognise those volunteers who have shown exceptional levels of dedication, achievement and personal development."

Published: 21/03/2005