YOUNGSTERS from across Lancashire have been praised for making an "immeasurable" difference to their community.

The High Sheriff of Lancashire, Ruth Winterbottom, said she wanted to take the chance to "celebrate and acknowledge" the success stories in the area.

Chief Constable Steve Finnigan said the winners at yesterday's annual Young Citizen of the Year Awards ceremony had shown "persistence and character", had overcome difficulties and led by example to "fulfil their potential".

He added: "By their actions they make the communities of Lancashire a safer and more secure place to live and work."

Mrs Winterbottom told the event, at police headquaters in Hutton: "This celebrates the outstanding contribution that our young citizens make to the wellbeing of our county.

"The efforts of those nominated have enriched our communities.

"Their families can be proud and I am proud to be able to present the awards today."

Nigel Davey, from sponsors BAE Systems said: "We live at a time when a group of two or more young people gathered together is generally perceived as a threat.

Trying to decide on this year's winners was far from easy, but we looked for those individuals who were not only out there doing good, but who had managed to overcome some very difficult personal challenges in order to do so.

Click on the links below to read the stories of some of thr young citizens of East Lancashire who were praised at the awards.