THE hard work of 11 young people from St Albans and Harpenden has been recognised by certificates and awards presented to them by the city's Mayor John Peters.

Councillor Peters made the presentations at the Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans.

The awards were made to the community minded youngsters who have been given the name of Millennium Volunteers.

The volunteers, all aged between 16 and 24, each gave up to 200 hours of their time helping in the community.

Work ranged from assisting in an Oxfam bookshop to writing film reviews for local newspapers and magazines.

Mel Dunmore, 17, who edits the Millennium Volunteers Hertfordshire magazine, said: "The atmosphere at the celebration event made me feel proud to have been part of it all.

"It was wonderful to see how much of a close-knit unit the volunteers are."

Other projects the young people contributed to included holding a musical event to raise money for charity, creating a sensory garden at the Butterwick Day Centre in Hill End, and working with adults with special needs at the Pioneer Youth Club.

Councillor Peters said: "I was impressed by the sheer variety of the volunteering that the young people had done."

Ms Nadira Fares, 18, who volunteers at the junior youth club at Fleetville Family Centre, said: "I have found it very rewarding. "Millennium volunteering has helped me develop new skills at the same time as helping the local community."

Anyone interested in becoming a Millenium Volunteer can phone 01923 671133.