Youngsters in Melksham have been rewarded for their achievements at the third Melksham Young People’s Awards evening.

The Assembly Hall was packed with more than 250 young people who watched as 14 awards and certificates were presented.

Competition for the Young Carer award was so strong the judges decided two remarkable boys should share the honour.

It was given jointly to Freddie Skinner and William Hynes. Freddie’s parents are foster carers and he was nominated because of his help and support for younger foster children who come to live with him and his family. William was honoured for his support for his younger brother, who has a serious illness and is often in hospital.

The awards are run jointly by Extended Services (Melksham Area) and Melksham Town Council.

Cllr Jon Hubbard, chairman of Melksham’s Extended Services, said: “This was an amazing evening and I continue to be inspired by the achievements and community spirit of the young people in our town.”

Melksham Extended Services, in partnership with Melksham Area Board, also used the evening to give grants of up to £500 to support projects run by or for young people locally.

Community groups and schools presented their ideas during the evening.

Electronic voting keypads were handed out to the audience, who chose which projects should receive the funding. The winners included Bowerhill Scouts, The Manor School and River Mead School.

The winners -

*Sporting individual, Luke Preston
* Sporting team, Melksham Town U16 Tornadoes 
* School Council, Forest and Sandridge School 
* Individual arts, Lola Brady 
* Team arts, Seend School 
* Carer, Freddie Skinner and William Hynes (joint winners)
* Voice, Lee Gunton
* Volunteering, Douglas Mackenzie; 
* Leader, Sally Crudge
* Achiever, 11 and under, Laura Curtis 
* Achiever, 12-18, Callum Howard; 
* Outstanding achiever, 11 and under, Toby Potter 
* Outstanding achiever, 12-18, Peter Crudge.