A teenager was the first-ever recipient of a Young Leader Award.

The annual general meeting of the Hexham Youth Initiative saw several young people awarded certificates for achievements made throughout the year.

It was also a special evening for 17-year-old Leah Wilkinson, who received the first-ever Hexham Rotary Young Leader Award in association with the Youth Initiative presented by club president Nick Rossiter.

Hexham Youth Initiative runs clubs and groups, holiday activities and youth projects for young people in Hexham and the surrounding area.

The charity works to improve the lives of young people in the area and aims to make every individual feel supported and valued.

Keda Norman, Hexham Youth Initiative co-ordinator, said: “Leah has experienced many difficulties in life and has worked hard to overcome them. She has come from being a young person attending Youth Initiative activities to being a young leader and volunteer.

"A kind and thoughtful person she is quick to learn and looks for opportunities to support others.

"Having completed her Duke of Edinburgh Award she is now attending college at Kirkley Hall and helps when she can in the holidays.

"This youngster gives good advice and is a splendid example to us all, of how you can overcome difficulties to make the most of life and make such a positive contribution to the wider community.”

Hexham Rotary Club 

Speaking at the event on November 18, Rotary Club president Nick Rossiter said: “Hexham Rotary were delighted to work alongside the Youth Initiative to identify a worthy winner for our award.”