Inspiring young athletes, carers and volunteers were recognised for their achievements at the Chiltern Youth Awards in Amersham yesterday evening.

Crowds of young people and dignitaries from across the district gathered at King’s Church in Raans Road for the ceremony – where eight awards from different categories were presented.

Among the winners were Chesham youth councillor Leila Langdon who scooped the environment award for her work towards fighting climate change, while Mark Hobbs was handed the arts award for his dedicated volunteer work at a community radio station.

Para dressage athlete Ilse Owen, who competes for Great Britain, won the sports award - which was presented by champion fencer – 17-year-old Rafael Rhys Pollitt, from Prestwood.

And the final award of the night, the chairman’s award, was presented by chairman of Chiltern District Council Nigel Shepherd, to Olivia Schurer – who has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Olivia helps her family to run a charity called Liberty’s Legacy – which was set up in memory of her younger her sister, who lost her life to bone cancer in October 2017.

Olivia has helped her family raise £200,000 to date – £10,000 of which she raised herself through sponsored runs and other events.

Cabinet member for healthy communities at CDC, Liz Walsh – who hosted the event – said: “The Chiltern Youth Awards is a very special event.

“It’s about giving the youngest members of our community the recognition they deserve, whether that’s for the hours they give to volunteering, the responsibilities they shoulder as young carers, or the action they’re taking to make the world a better place.

“It was truly inspiring to hear about what these young people are achieving, particularly at such a young age, and to celebrate with them. Congratulations to all our winners and nominees.”

Chesham Grammar School Acapella group opened the show with a rendition of John Lennon’s imagine and Pentatonix’s Take Me Home.