IT was standing room only in Holsworthy Memorial Hall last Friday, when many local young people and their supporters gathered for the fourth annual awards evening of Holsworthy and Rural Community Action Through Sport, writes Christine Williams.

This is an event at which the efforts and talents of young people — aged from 5 to 25-years-old — are rewarded with certificates and sport-related awards donated by local sports providers.

These included 1610, South West Lakes Trust, Outdoor Adventure, Adventure International, Holsworthy Golf Club, Survival Laser Games and Budehaven Sub-Aqua Club.

The awards are given under various categories, including fundraising, sports coaching, the environment and for helping others within schools or the wider community.

People arriving at the hall were welcomed by an engaging and enthusiastic performance by the Bradworthy Academy Choir and Band, which set the tone for the whole evening.

Adelaine Chandler, the chairman of Holsworthy and Rural CATS, welcomed everybody and gave a brief overview of the year’s activities, including the re-opening of the Holsworthy Youth Centre, which CATS volunteers now run every Tuesday afternoon and evening.

She then introduced the VIPs who had kindly come to present the awards — Devon County Councillor Barry Parsons, Denise May MBE, co-founder of CATS UK, Liam Dart, manager of Holsworthy FC, and Superintendent Andrew Munday.

Two of the young volunteers instrumental in the re-opening of the youth club, Sarah Ross and T-Jay Acres, themselves award-winners, next took the stage as comperes for the evening.

Then the presentation of awards began to 99 young people, aged this year from 10 to 24, who have been responsible for an amazing variety of impressive acts and activities.

These include raising money for a variety of community projects and charities, among which the Long House project featured strongly.

Young people were also rewarded for making a difference to their school, for sports coaching and taking on increasingly responsible roles with the Beavers and Scouts.

Many of the Holsworthy Army Cadets, who are prominent at every town occasion, were rewarded for their efforts as well as the Rock Solid group who help the community in many ways, including friendship teas with older people.

Youngsters from Ashwater Community Steel Band were also included for their continued commitment to the community and their fundraising efforts.

During a short interval, entertainment was provided by local band 180 Degrees, which was formed while the members attended Bradworthy Academy and has continued since the group moved to Holsworthy Community College.

At the end of the proceedings refreshments prepared by volunteers, including members of the local police force, were served and the raffle, which raised more than £250 for the Holsworthy Sports Pavilion Project, was drawn.

Thus came to an end a very enjoyable occasion, which celebrated the inspiring young people of Holsworthy and district.