The voluntary and inspiring efforts of young people across the Borders were recognised at an awards ceremony in Galashiels last Thursday.
Hundreds of youngsters attended the first Youth Inspire Awards at the Volunteer Hall to receive their Saltire Award certificates for volunteering and also find out the winners of the Inspire Awards.
One judge said the efforts of the young people made them “a credit to their Borders communities”.
Winners ranged from someone who helps deliver personal and social education lessons to peers while also continuing dance lessons, to a local athlete and a group who established youth services from scratch.
The Inspire Awards and the ceremony themselves were organised by a group of young volunteers seeking to recognise the efforts of local people aged 12 to 25.
The organisers said the awards challenged the sometimes negative image of young people in society.
Award sponsors included Borders Sport and Leisure Trust, Caddon Design, The Bridge and Wilton Carpets.
Volunteer Centre Borders and SBC Youth Voice supported the organisers and also sponsored awards.
Susan Swan, executive officer at Volunteer Centre Borders, said: “We are so proud of our young people tonight – those who have inspired, and those who worked so hard to make sure that inspiration was recognised.
“Hopefully, this event will be an annual celebration of what can be achieved.”
Award winners: Inspirational: Ben Grant, Eyemouth; Music and Arts: Sophie Douglas, Kelso; Environment: Hawick High Eco-School Group; Group: TD1 Youth Committee, Galashiels; Sport and Leisure: Samantha Kinghorn, Earlston; Community: Berwickshire HYYPE panel; Volunteering: Scott Davidson, Peebles.