YOUNG people have been recognised for their work on inspirational projects which have helped them develop confidence and skills whilst also benefitting the community.

The projects, ran by students in Ferryhill and Newton Aycliffe, were nominated for awards from North-East charity The Key, which recognises the imagination and determination of more than 160 young people, volunteers and youth workers across 12 different categories.

The #NoGermsOnMe project picked up the community champion award, Forestry School scooped the super evaluators award and Living the Dream were crowned panel innovators.

Somer-Rae Stanworth from #NoGermsOnMe said: "We started our project as we felt it was something we lacked growing up, so to be nominated for an award was incredible and made us realise that other people had noticed our hard work.

"To win when there was so many good projects in our category was unreal. We are still buzzing about it."

Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College (FBEC) teacher, Laura Langdale, won the Key Facilitator of the year award for her work of supporting the young people.

The Key operates in all areas of the North-East and during the last five years, over 13,000 young people aged 11-25 have participated in the Key Framework. Their activities have benefitted almost 140,000 people in their communities.