THE efforts of young people from Ryedale were rewarded this week.

Winners of the Safer Ryedale Young Community Volunteers (YCV) Awards were announced at Pickering Memorial Hall on Wednesday.

Local band Chumashu provided music for the evening.

The awards are made in recognition of the efforts of young Ryedale residents who have contributed to their community.

This year's awards have attracted efforts from throughout Ryedale, including community projects organised by young people to benefit the area they live in.

Safer Ryedale co-ordinator Ana Richards: "The YCV awards are aimed at encouraging young people from throughout the district to work with and for their community. The projects this year have been fantastic, and judging has been really difficult because of the high standards of the entrants."

North Yorkshire fire brigade watch manager Mick Wingrove said: "It has been a real pleasure to be able to find out about all the projects, and all the awards are worthwhile recognitions of the positive impact young people can have on the area their live."

This year's winners were: The Providers, Pickering Youth Events Group, the Animal Helpers, the A Team, the Survivors and the Foxhole Novas.

Plans are already in place for next year's awards. Go to www.ryesafe.org.uk