A pioneering youth group has won a coveted national award for its work.

The Lawkholme Lane Youth Action Group came tops in the Nationwide Awards for Voluntary Endeavour. It received a crystal vase and £2,500 for a cause of its choice, which it has donated to the Keighley police summer scheme. The group was also presented with £500 in vouchers.

PC Lee Holmes, the Keighley police youth services officer, has supported the group since its formation and nominated it for the award. He travelled to the House of Commons on Monday with group member Ahad Miah to receive the prestigious prize.

PC Holmes says: "The achievements of young people such as these are now being recognised. Members of the group are excellent role models for others, both locally and nationally. This again puts young people in a good light. It helps to reduce the fear of crime when members of the public see the excellent work these young people have done. It's not all about hanging around on street corners and being antisocial.

"I am delighted, and extremely proud of the group's success."

The Lawkholme Lane Youth Action Group was formed in 1996 by three teenagers, supported by Keighley police. There are now nine members, aged between 12 and 18, who concentrate on community and environmental improvement projects. The group's efforts have included creating a scented box garden for a blind resident, clearing-up church grounds, renovating a subway, and gardening at an elderly people's complex. They also made and sold bird and bat boxes and used the proceeds to take seven elderly residents to a panto at the Alhambra in Bradford.

Tribute is paid by Keighley MP Ann Cryer, who saw PC Holmes and Ahad at Monday's presentation. She told us: "I am absolutely delighted the group has won this award, and I congratulate all those involved. I intend meeting the young people to hear first hand about the marvellous work they have carried out."

Her praise is echoed by Keighley police divisional commander Supt Derek Bonnard, who says: "We are committed to working alongside members of the community in order to make the district a safer place. One of the most important of these partnerships is with young people. Working side by side with them means we can achieve so much more."

and I would commend members of the Youth Action Group for their public-spirited actions over the past three years."

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