ALTON College has celebrated its participation, for the seventh year running, in the Alton Lions Young Leaders in Service Awards with a presentation to students.

The awards recognise young people for their service in the community within a 12-month period in a scheme, run in the college by Community First, a charity whose aim is to promote a strong, influential and thriving voluntary and community sector in East Hampshire, in conjunction with the Lions Club of Alton.

Organised by Alton Lions Club, the Young Leaders in Service Award scheme is part of the Lions Clubs International’s ‘Opportunities for Youth’ initiative.

The Lions scheme recognises volunteer community service by young people between the ages of 11 and 18 within a 12-month period. There are bronze, silver and gold seal awards up for grabs, and each Lions Club may recognise as many young people as are eligible.

The project was first launched in Alton in 2013 and awards have been achieved each year. To date, more than 100 young people have received an award.

The Young Leaders in Service Award also operates at Amery Hill School in Alton, Eggar’s in Holybourne, and Treloars School and College.

The presentation of certificates was carried out by then Alton Lions president Mike Gwynne, accompanied by fellow Lion Derek Shaw, Tina Penaluna from Community First, and Darren Della Maestra, head of community support at Alton College.

Alton College students receiving silver seal awards this year were Hannah Andrews, Alexander Hallows, Emily Rezin, Caroline Hodgkiss, and Emily Barnett.