ON behalf of The Prince's Trust in the North-East, I would like to highlight our region's achievements after we took home a quarter of the awards available at The Prince's Trust and RBS Celebrate Success ceremony in London last week.

Young mother Claire Hutchinson, from Darlington, won the Cap Gemini Enterprise award for her trust-supported business, UK Recycling Assistance, which she set up after turning her life around in the face of adversity as a struggling, unemployed, single parent.

Newcastle United was also presented with the Partnership Innovation award by the Prince of Wales for unfaltering support in helping us to tackle unemployment and educational underachievement among disengaged young people.

This success follows news that our Challenge Trophy fundraiser brought in almost £250,000 to help many more disadvantaged youngsters across the region.

I would like to thank all volunteers, staff, supporters, donors and ambassadors for their dedication.

This year we aim to support nearly 4,000 young people aged 14 to 30 who are struggling at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law. Between us, we will help them to overcome barriers with almost three in four moving into work, education or training.

David Beavis, Regional Director, The Prince's Trust, North-East.