An awards scheme set up by a former Keighley Cougars captain has celebrated its tenth anniversary.

The Personal Award For Excellence (PAWE) scheme was launched by Cougars captain Joe Grima to reward positive behaviour and good citizenship.

From Monday this year's winners will be treated to a four-night stay at Ambleside Youth Hostel, in the Lake District. And to mark the anniversary, 25 volunteers, some of whom are previous winners, will accompany them.

The scheme was set up by Joe with Keighley police youth services officer PC Lee Holmes to recognise youngsters' commitment to their community.

It has grown from 20 teenagers, who were chosen from the district's four upper schools, in the first year, to 60 recipients chosen from 12 schools in Keighley, Bradford and Huddersfield. Youngsters, who are doing work in their community, put their names forward to their schools from which the winners are chosen.

Four years ago youth projects officer PC Glyn Butterworth took over the reins of the scheme.

He said: "The PAWE scheme is one of only a handful in the country that promotes and rewards positive behaviour and good citizenship.

"The schools involved understand the importance and value of this initiative and support it throughout the year by encouraging pupils to become actively involved in their community."

Working on a voluntary basis, he organised the trip using fundraising from the National Lottery, Keighley Lions, Haworth Rotary Club and Bradford Council, as well as local businesses and bucket collections at Keighley Cougars matches.

And the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) contributes about 25 percent of the costs through its Diversion Partnership Fund.

PC Butterworth added: "The trip to Ambleside is the highlight. But it would not be possible without the support and commitment from the YHA. The young people benefit enormously and everyone has a great time."

Jason Ramshaw, pictured left, the Cougars community liaison officer, who will be taking part in the trip, visits Keighley schools with PC Butterworth.

The winners will take part in canoeing, water skiing, rock climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, orienteering and hill walking.

The trip finishes with a disco on board a boat on Lake Windermere, with youth hostel staff and other guests joining the cruise.

YHA groups advisor Jane Town said: "We've had an excellent relationship with PAWE and we're delighted that they keep coming back to Ambleside Youth Hostel year after year -- and particularly in their tenth anniversary.

"It's exactly the kind of initiative which the Diversion Partnership Fund aims to support.

"Not only is it a fun way to reward these young people, but we know that these trips can also help raise young people's confidence, to discover new skills and develop their sense of independence."