Young people across Bradford highlighted the city's bright future as they were honoured for their dedicated service to others.

Setting up youth clubs, promoting healthy living and educating through art were just some of the projects spearheaded under the Millennium Volunteers scheme.

The teams, aged between 16 and 24, received Awards of Excellence signed by Education Secretary, David Blunkett.

Also paying tribute to the 20 volunteers - who each put in at least 200 hours of unpaid work - were the Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Peter Lancaster, Shipley Labour MP Chris Leslie, and Ann Weinstock, the national director of the Millennium Volunteers programme.

Lisa Cumming, co-ordinator for Bradford, said the ethos behind the scheme was to "build on what you're into".

She said: "Those taking part have all concentrated on something they feel is important - something which will benefit the world they live in.''

Twenty-year-olds Asif Khan and Sajid Patel, are already making a big impact in Manningham, Bradford. Together they have helped form the Youth Perception Project which tackles health and environmental issues in the area.

"One of the aspects is to grow healthy food in the Scotchman Road allotments and then sell it cheaply. At the same time we can educate about healthy eating," said Asif.

The 12-strong group also clears litter from the streets and appeals for the community to keep it that way.

"We want people to be proud of the area and for it to be an attractive place to live. This can have a lot of knock-on effects," added Sajid.

Ziyarab Rehman and Khalic Bashier, both 18, are part of the team running the Oak Lane Youth Forum - a youth club based in Lister Mills aimed at keeping youngsters off the street.

Khalic said: "Before the group was launched, there was nothing for the youngsters here. If they are stuck on the streets becoming bored, then it is easy to be drawn into negative things such as drugs and crime."

As well as providing pool tables, music and other entertainment, the club has a strong emphasis on learning and promotes its own study area.

In Bradford, the Millennium Volunteers Scheme has run as a pilot from March last year with the help of a grant from the Department for Education and Employment. The bid was masterminded by Bradford Youth Volunteering Development Project and it now runs as a partnership between various agencies in the city.

Miss Cumming said: "The energy and commitment these people have shown is astounding.''

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