SOME of County Durham’s most deserving young people were honoured at a special presentation event on Friday (May 13).

The newly introduced Young Person’s Chairman’s Medal was awarded for the first time with 14 local champions receiving the prestigious award at Durham's County Hall.

The medal is the idea of Durham County Council Chairman, Cllr Jan Blakey who wanted the Young Person’s Chairman’s Medal to be introduced alongside the Chairman’s Medal which was launched in 2007.

It goes to individuals and organisations from throughout the county for their outstanding voluntary and charitable efforts and is the highest honour Durham County Council can bestow.

The medals were presented by Cllr Blakey, following nominations made to the 14 Area Action Partnerships.

Cllr Blakey said: “This is something that I always wanted to introduce during my term in office as chairman of this authority which is now nearing a close.

“Many of these young people are unsung heroes who toil away, unbeknown by many people. They don’t actively go seeking recognition but the Young Person’s Chairman’s Medal can recognise these outstanding young people which also highlights their causes and brings them to the public’s attention.

“We are extremely fortunate that in County Durham there are so many outstanding young people. Their sterling efforts and determination benefit so many people, and I want to reward them by showing that we do recognise the outstanding work that they do.”