TWO dedicated teens from Redditch have received a prestigious award in recognition of their outstanding contribution to volunteering.

17-year-old Emma Shelton received a Tryangle Award for completing more than 600 hours of volunteering work with the YMCA's disability football teams .

She started volunteering at the YMCA during a work experience placement arranged via her school and has stayed on for more than three years.

YMCA staff say that Emma is enthusiastic, turning up in all weathers and it is not unknown for her to give more than 40 hours of her free time during the school holidays.

Another 17-year-old who received a Tryangle Award is Linzi Aston for her passionate volunteer work for Young Carers.

Linzi organises fund raising events, promotional events and recruits her friends all in aid of young carers.

She has recently been appointed as a young carers champion and incredibly does all this on top of being a young carer herself.

Her mum has limited mobility so Linzi helps with the shopping, cleaning and cooking at home.

The Young Carers organisation describe Linzi a remarkable young person who is always willing to help others.

The Tryangle Awards, run by Worcestershire Council for Voluntary Youth Services (WCVYS), celebrate the achievements of young people across the county and aims to highlight the success of young people who have often achieved against the odds.

Phil Street, from WCVYS, said: "Theawards are about recognising the achievements of the unsung heroes. The young people that show determination to serve their friends, family and community.

"These are young people that overcome social, health or other challenges to make their mark’.