HUNDREDS of hours of dedicated service to Fenland communities were recognised as March Lions rewarded their young leaders.

The event, held at March Town Hall, was part of the “Youth Award”, a positive scheme for students of Neale-Wade Community College who want to show that they really care about their community.

Susan Morris, deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, and Councillor Bernard Keane, the Mayor of March and a Lions member, presented awards to the 12 young leaders at the annual ceremony.

Gold awards, which recognised 100 hours of service, and silver awards, requiring 50 hours, were presented to youngsters whose community service ranged from care work to volunteering at libraries.

The youngsters were also awarded a special Lions pin by group members John Haynes and Barry Miller.

Collage principal Jason Wing was at the event and said it was important to recognise the young peoples’ achievements. He was given a badge which he said was a “really nice gesture” and he was “extremely proud”.

Mr Wing described it as a real “community occasion”. He said: “It was a great evening and to recognise the accomplishment of young people is a really positive achievement.”

Established 35 years ago, March Lions are heavily involved in charity work. Members have, for example, raised funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care (raising more than �3,000) and posting Christmas cards for people.

Proceeds have also gone to St Mary’s and St Peter’s Churches and to the club itself.

Meet the recipients of the awards

Gold award

Name: Elliot Beeby

Helps the homeless, gives speeches in church, helps to clean the church, church work and helps with younger children.

Name: Daniel Colthart

Volunteers at St John’s Ambulance, over 100 hours including first aid and fundraising. Volunteering in the library, over 50 hours and in schemes such as beat bulling and cyber bully.

Ambitions: To be a doctor

Best part for him: Helping the community and doing something good.

Name: Caitlin Mill

Helps with school library, scouts, church choir, Youth District Council, house parliament, school council, fundraising – Macmillan, Party in the park and Primary’s got talent.

Ambitions: Vet, doctor or something ‘outdoorsy’.

Best part for her: Makes her feel like a better person.

Name: Ashton Quince

Senior member of youth council including supporting club leaders, Roles include giving up time to sessions, group work, fundraising activities and activities mentoring members.

Ambitions: construction worker but will continue to volunteer in his spare time

Best part for him: Started off an member who attended sessions of the youth council and liked it so much went on to helping out and found the good reports and helping others makes him feel like he accomplished something.

Name: David Maycroft

109 hours volunteering at a care home.

Ambitions: Law

Best part for him: Helping their Nan, who was their inspiration alongside the fact that the people are really friendly and it’s something he enjoys.

Name: James Campbell

Volunteers at a charity shop, involved with Fendis Golf days, Youth Bank Panel, helps with other projects with young people, school council and Fenland District Council – used to be treasurer.

Ambitions: Volunteering abroad gap year somewhere in Far East.

Best part for him: Doesn’t need the recognition to feel good for it but recognition gives him the drive.

Name: Courtney Thomson

100 hours at St Johns Ambulance and taught first aid to people.

Ambitions: To move into the adult group and to help making younger people aware and to get them to be involved.

How long she done it: Two years

Name: Abby House

Volunteering at library and Air Cadets.

How long has she done it: August last year volunteering at library.

Best part for her: Really enjoyable.

Name: Courtney Few

Volunteering at care homes - roles include making tea and socialising with them. Volunteering at her dance school - teaching younger children, school parliament and multiple Charity fundraising.

How long has she done it: Around three years.

Additional info: Nominated for a ‘YOPEE’.

Other Gold award recipients: Stephanie Penman, Jonathan Knoll.

Silver Award

Name: Daniel Edwards

Volunteers with the ECO thing, selling plants some lunch times, shared manager and also going in on school holidays.

Best part for him: Being outdoors.

Ambitions: Work in garden centre or market stall for plants.

How long have they done it: Around a year.