Young pupils recognised in annual awards ceremony.

The Tynedale Lions held their Lions Excellence Awards 2023 at Corbridge Middle School where they recognised the talent of four students across Hexham.

The awards first started in 2019 but was paused due to Covid 19.

It returned for the second time earlier this month and organisers hope to continue it annually.

To be considered applicants need to be 11-18 years of age and live in Tynedale. The organisation also accepts applications of toung people with learning difficulties will be considered up to the age of 25.

"The standard of applications was very high and it took some serious discussion to select who should receive a bursary," Ian Cave, a member of the club said.

"Tynedale Lions have a bursary scheme to highlight, celebrate and reward the exceptional achievements of young people that, more often than not, go unseen and even unrewarded.

"We are looking for young people who “aspire to excellence” and deserve to be recognised for their hard work and/or exceptional achievement.

"We have committed £2,000 for the period up to 30th June 2023 and this will be split into four £500 bursaries for each of the following categories: Sport, Creative Arts & Music, Science and Technology and Service to the Community.

"It is intended that bursaries be applied to further the personal development of the young person.

"This year’s winners, who each receive a bursary of £500 were;

"Mateo Ridley, aged 11 years, a pupil at Hexham Middle School who is a gifted squash player; Sasha Mychailichenko, aged 11 year, a pupil at Corbridge Middle School. Sasha fled from Ukraine with her mother and sister in June 2022. She is a gifted violinist.

"Jack Liddles, 11-years-old, a member of Prudhoe Youth project and a pupil at Highfield Middle school. Jack is a talented self-taught pianist. 

"James Little,  aged 16 years, a pupil at Queen Elizabeth’s High School, in Hexham. James is a Paddler and currently ranked UK number 1 in the 15/16 years category."