YOUNG people from across the North-East will today attend an awards ceremony to celebrate their achievements in the community.

More than 40 youngsters will attend the Barnardo's 'B Oscars' event, in Newcastle, which acknowledges outstanding contributions in volunteering, overcoming personal difficulties, and helping to develop projects they are involved with.

The young people are from nine different services around the region, and will include young carers, children in foster care, homeless youngsters, and those who have become involved in running Barnardo's in the region.

B Oscars will be awarded to youngsters who have contributed or participated in achieving something for themselves, other children, or for a project.

The awards were the idea of Moira McHale, 21, the North-East youth volunteer co-ordinator.

She once used Barnardo's services along with her brother, Michael, 19, and now works for the charity.

She said: "Some of the achievements are very small but personal, and represent the huge strides the young people have made.

The awards will be held at the charity's North-East head office in Newcastle, from 4pm to 6.30pm.