THE ACHIEVEMENTS of young volunteers in West Dorset have been celebrated at an event in Dorchester.

West Dorset District Council recognised the contribution of youngsters to the local community with the Chairman’s Awards: Young Volunteer Champions.

The awards evening at the council’s South Walks House offices recognised young people who live in the district and give up their time to help others.

The title of Young Community Champion was jointly awarded to Jess Element from Dorchester and Jacob Neal, of Beaminster.

Jess is an active member of several swimming groups and teaches local young swimmers on top of her training.

Jacob cares for his mother and is an adult leader with the Scouting Association.

He said: “I was so shocked to be nominated and didn’t expect anything.

“I’ve been volunteering for ten years and it is brilliant fun and gives me so many opportunities.”

The Senior Young Champion award, for people aged between 19 and 25, was claimed by Freddie Higgs from Cerne Abbas for his efforts as a young adult leader at Cerne Abbas Youth Club and the new Cerne Abbas Scout Group.

He even ran the youth club last autumn when the leader became ill and his support and fundraising have become crucial to the group.

The Youth Group Champion title went to the Sherborne Skate Park Group for their tireless efforts in campaigning to keep their skate park open over three years in which they have raised £187,000 to replace it with a much more modern design.

West Dorset District Council Chairman Gillian Summers said: “I want to congratulate all the people nominated for Young Volunteer Champion awards. “We had so many worthy entries.

“I am delighted to thank these fantastic young people in this way for the help they have given to their community. “It is brilliant that so many are prepared to give their time to make a real difference.”

For more information about the awards visit www.dorsetforyou.com/young-champion/west-dorset.