THE Rotary Club of Malton and Norton is delighted to celebrate with Gazette & Herald readers the amazing achievements of the Young Community Champions across our region.

The club launched a Rotary Young Champions award to recognise youngsters who have shown great initiative during the coronavirus pandemic to support the local community.

Entries for the awards were invited in two age categories - up to 14 years and 15 to 18 years.

Martyn Herring, club chairperson, said the club had been delighted to receive so many outstanding submissions for the awards, and each one will now be recognised with a donation to their selected organisation or charity.

They will also receive a letter of recognition from the club and both Malton and Norton town mayors, along with a gift voucher for themselves.

“From baking, sewing for PPE, setting up a youth radio station, uploading recorded poetry to daily support and caring needs in the community, and lots more, the range of inspiring activities undertaken are a credit to the youth of our communities,” he said.

“I have been overwhelmed by the amazing variety and range of our young people’s endeavours, given the difficult times they are living through with home schooling, unable to socialise as normal and uncertainty about the future.

“It is overall heart-warming, and I am so proud of each and every one.

“We are sure this spirit of community service and volunteering will be enhanced and continue into the future of both towns when it is in the hands of such inspiring young people. They have all been inspiring during the recent difficult circumstances.

“Three other awards have been made to young members of our community who we respect their wishes for privacy. But their good work supported activities such as raising over £200 donations by making hair scrunchies for online orders. Others not only continued, but significantly expanded, their young carer responsibilities in incredibly challenging times whilst also looking after their own physical and emotional needs. Some of these not only engaged in a new world of virtual connections in amazing ways, but also created support networks for others in similar situations.”

He added: “The Rotary organisation exists to undertake voluntary good works and to support any part of our communities when in need. To see such great work done by the youngest in our community is heart-warming and ensures a good future of voluntary achievements.”