Westbury and Warminster teenagers were rewarded for their achievements at an awards ceremony at Westbury’s Youth Centre.

About 70 different awards were made to members of youth clubs from the two towns last week – including certificates in first aid and Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Aspiring writer Rachel Povey, 16, from Kingdown School, Warminster, gave the audience a preview reading of her latest work.

She is writing her first sci-fi novel and hopes to publish it on Amazon later this year.

She is also looking forward to studying A-levels in philosophy, science and medicine in September.

Lauren Srawley, 12, and Carris Maskell, 13, from Maltravers School, Westbury, were two of many young people who played music.

Lauren sang pop songs and Carris played the guitar.

Lauren said: “Events like this are good because it helps your confidence.

Carris said: “The club has helped me learn the guitar.

“I have only been learning for a year, but I’ve already played to a number of audiences.”

Chris Slow, 18, from Kingdown School, was also recognised for his work on Wiltshire council’s Youth Advisory Group.

He said: “We know that youth services have been cut back and we need to give young people like myself a voice.”

Chris will be taking his A-levels in June and wants to study robotics at the University of Plymouth.

All four received a certificates of achievement for outstanding youth practices.

Cllr Richard Gamble, Wiltshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Youth, said: “It shows that these young people can take things seriously and have fun at the same time.”