YOUNG people celebrated their newly-acquired skills yesterday.

St Mary and St Peter's Community Project, in Springwell, Sunderland, was the venue for activities promoting local youngsters' work as part of the Keyfund scheme.

The event included displays by a graffiti artist, computer-linked dance mats and computer games, as well as performances by dance group from Positive Opportunities for Schoolchildren, Students and Youth.

Keyfund development worker, Jim Shanks, said: "Keyfund encourages young people aged ten to 21 to develop various core skills.

"In particular, it gives them an invaluable opportunity to access funding that enables them to plan, organise and lead activities which help in their personal development.

"We held the event to highlight the many achievements they've made with Keyfund."

In the past year, more than 150 young people have taken on the challenge of organising activities that have included cultural visits to London, quad biking and horseriding.