A YOUTH worker from North Yorkshire addressed 450 delegates at the YMCA national assembly at Warwick University.

Jenny Stabler, 19, who is based at Richmond YMCA, spoke about the portrayal of young people in the media.

For Miss Stabler, an apprentice youth support worker for North Yorkshire County Council, it was her first experience of public speaking.

"Coverage of young people needs to be tackled, not just for the young people but for older generations too," she said. "They (the media) need to understand that not every young person is the same. Some do great work for their communities, raise money and awareness for charities, rather than cause trouble."

Ken Allinson, chief executive of Richmond YMCA, said: "Jenny did both Richmond YMCA and North Yorkshire County Council proud. Her contribution to the YMCA national assembly was well received and her positive messages about young people reinforced the work of the YMCA locally, nationally and indeed internationally."

The keynote address was given by Angela Sarkis, national secretary of YMCA England, who visited Richmond YMCA last November.

After the event, Miss Stabler said: "Media representation of young people is an issue I feel very strongly about and I will be making every effort at Richmond YMCA to promote young people through the media in a positive way.

"I cannot begin to put into words the effect that the national assembly and making my speech has had on me. It will be forever embedded in my memories. It was amazing and I thank all at Richmond YMCA for helping me to realise my potential."