Bracknell

It was a night of glitz, glamour and recognition for more than 100 of the borough's young stars at the Bracknell Awards For TeenAgers (BAFTAs) on Monday.

The annual BAFTAs, run by Bracknell Forest Council, were held at the Trunkwell Mansion House near Reading where teenagers were invited to party the night away while being recognised for their successes.

The Bracknell awards aim to recognise the achievements and good work of the borough's young people aged between 13 and 19 years old. This year more than 100 medals or certificates were handed out to teenagers who had completed first aid courses, babysitting courses and Duke of Edinburgh Awards amongst others.

This year also included a 'Young Person of the Year' trophy to a person from each project/club who has been outstanding in some way - some 11 awards. These projects included:

* TRAX (youth clubs) in North Ascot, Whitegrove in Warfield, The Wayz in Harmans Water, The Spot in Sandhurst and Priestwood;
* NRG at Coopers Hill - a drop-in for 16-24 yr olds;
* Priestwood/Kennel Lane Youth Club for those with learning disabilities;
* youth forum;
* Freeways - a club for those aged 15-21 who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or unsure;
* young parents group who meet at NRG and Great Hollands; and
* sexual health group.

Everyone was welcomed to the awards ceremony by the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Bob Edger, who also presented awards.

After the ceremony the young people enjoyed a dance display by Urban Trilogy and inflatable fun on the bungee log run, rodeo bull, obstacle course with Laser Quest and as a bonus, the dodgems.

Lesley Heale, Director of Social Care and Learning, said: "So many young people in Bracknell Forest take the time, trouble and effort to work really hard on projects and courses outside of school or college and the BAFTAs are a great way or recognising that.

"All the teenagers who attended had a great time receiving their certificates and awards and then carried on the celebration into the evening."

Cllr Edger added: "I thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many of our young people who have worked really hard to gain some wonderful achievements.

"The BAFTAs are a great way of recognising what good work young people in the borough do and continue to do in their spare time. It's not often that teenagers get the recognition they deserve for completely worthy courses and giving up their spare time to complete projects so I was very pleased to meet more than 100 of Bracknell Forest's young people on Wednesday evening who had done just that.

"I wish all of them every success in the future and would like to thank everyone who helped organise such a worthy and enjoyable evening."

Bracknell Forest Council