YOUNG actors from Wear Valley and Teesdale have been shortlisted for a national awards scheme recognising outstanding contributions to local communities.

The Jackass Youth Theatre is one of 20 groups selected out of 120 across the country for the Philip Lawrence Awards, supported by the Home Office to mark achievement and citizenship among 11 to 20-year-olds.

Jackass uses theatre and the arts to develop personal and social skills among young people.

Its recent Ramayana Project, which involved youngsters in live performances, generated awareness of the Asian culture in rural south west Durham.

The group is working on its second film and runs workshops for youngsters in the dales area.

Broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald leads a panel of judges selecting the awards finalists who will attend a ceremony in London on December 7. Home Secretary David Blunkett and Mr Lawrence's widow, Frances, will make the presentations.

Mr Lawrence was a London headteacher killed in 1985 when he intervened to protect a pupil from a gang of youths.

Jackass spokeswoman Julie Ward said: "To get this far is a great achievement and is recognition of what can be achieved in the local community."