Celebrating the heart of the capital's youth

Hundreds of the best of Edinburgh's younger generation gathered at the Vue Cinema in the Omni Centre for the latest event celebrating the achievements of 11 to 21-year-olds across a host of categories.

While the mood remained firmly upbeat, there was a poignant moment as a new award in memory of ten-year-old hit-and-run victim Jack Anderson was launched.

Jack's family were there to witness the accolade, made in tribute to the city schoolboy who was knocked down on a pedestrian crossing just 200 yards from his front door in October.

His parents Michael and Yvonne wanted the award to go to someone who had made a positive contribution to the city despite having a number of barriers to their success.

And as Jack's former teacher Pat Coutts presented the award to 15-year-old James Ness it was clear that he was more than deserving.

Confined to a wheelchair, the Newbridge teenager was born with a painful life-threatening condition which doctors originally said would not see him live beyond the age of ten.

Dad Graham, 47, thanked Jack's family and said everyone felt for them.

Graham, who like his wife Ali, 43, is a full-time carer for James, said: "You can't tell them that you know how they feel because you can't know how they feel.

"People tell me they know how I feel, and they don't."

The Jack Anderson Award, first suggested by News columnist Stephen Jardine, was one of 12 handed out last night to the winners in the city council run, Evening News-backed awards.

This year more than 1600 young people were nominated for the accolades, which covered nine key categories ranging from sporting achievement to heart of gold.

In addition to the Jack Anderson Award and the nine categories, there were two special awards, the Lord Provost Peer Award and the Evening News Editor's Award, both chosen from all the categories.

Jake White, 13, a James Gillespie's pupil who is heavily involved in youth projects in the city, more than held his own as he co-hosted alongside Radio Forth DJ Boogie.

The winners

Community Involvement - Edinburgh Youth Council

Bullying and trams are just two of many issues discussed by members of the Edinburgh Youth Council in their role improving life for young people in the city.

Some 50 to 60 youngsters aged 12 to 25 take part in meetings with a range of other organisations, listening to talks and representing their generation in consultations on various issues.

Council member Mhairi Threlfall, 17, of Musselburgh, said: "I think it's great because it shows that all the hard work that we do collectively as a group is not unappreciated."

Unsung Hero/ine - Laura Rae and Lauren McNaughton

It was a walk schoolgirls Lauren McNaughton, 15, and Laura Rae, 16 had taken to Liberton High School for years without incident.

But one day this year the pair were shocked to find a body lying in a garden beside their path.

The pupils rushed to the side of the elderly man, unable to raise the alarm in the house he was lying outside of, dialled 999 and tried to reassure the dazed, pensioner before the ambulance arrived.

But neither girl, both from Gilmerton, mentioned it when they got to school.

It was only when a young man who had seen what they had done contacted the school that the story of their heroism was revealed.

Lauren said: "We don't know who he was or what happened to him afterwards but he seemed ok when the ambulance arrived."

Laura added that the pair were "very proud" to win the award.

Evening News Editor's Award - Kirsty-Ann Duncan

"I NEVER thought I would win an award just for doing what I enjoy doing."

Kirsty-Ann Duncan, 18, struggled to take it in as she accepted the Evening News accolade.

For years she has done all kinds of voluntary work helping people deal with everything from drugs to bullying.

And she didn't stop when her mum Norah McCafferty, 47, developed cancer, instead carrying on and helping her mum win that fight too.

Evening News deputy editor Jim Morrison presented Kirsty-Ann with the award for her "unfaltering commitment to young people and her community".

Kirsty-Ann, of Craigentinny, said: "I'm very happy. I don't do it for myself, I do it for everyone else, it's what I enjoy doing."

Enterprise and Consumer Awareness - Lombeta

Mount Kilimanjaro is a long way from Edinburgh. But it will soon be a lot closer, thanks to a new broadband connection being built to allow African schoolchildren to see and talk to pupils at Holy Rood High School.

The development is among the links being forged between Holy Rood and Lombeta Secondary School in the foothills of the Tanzanian mountain through Edinburgh pupils' enterprising work.

Since 2000 pupils have raised more than 15,000 through their company Lombeta Inc. selling products including customised computer mice.

Lombeta chairperson Paul Iannetta, 15, of Craigentinny, said: "This means a great deal to us because it gives some recognition for the work we do.

"It will mean a lot to the pupils in Tanzania too."

Environmental Action - BIG project Wednesday Club

Turning a derelict piece of ground in Broomhouse into a thriving park for toddlers earned this group its award.

Where once there was broken glass and burned grass there is now play equipment decorated with children's artwork, thanks to a competition launched by the project.

The competition attracted more than 290 entries with the winning designs incorporated into the park.

Group member Aaron Gray, 13, of Broomhouse, said: "It makes us proud to see the artwork in the park and we're really pleased to get this award."

Jack Anderson Award - James Ness

Born with life-threatening condition palizeausmerzbacher leukodystrophy, James Ness was not expected to survive past his tenth birthday.

His courage and determination have helped see him not only live to be 15 but to be an inspiration to everyone around him.

His humour and determination despite his own problems saw him win the Jack Anderson Award.

Mum Ali, 43, said: "We are overwhelmed by this. James does not let his condition get in the way of him enjoying life. He is loved by everyone who knows him and never complains about the pain."

Youth Friendly Service Award - North Edinburgh Youth Action

Cycling, sailing and making a DVD are not the types of children's activities which most would expect police officers to lead.

Which might explain why the North Edinburgh Youth Action team at Lothian and Borders Police won the award for providing the most youth-friendly service.

Pc David Cuthbert said: "We are shocked but very happy to be nominated for the work we have done to positively engage with young people in the area."

Forum member Sean Deans, 21, added: "The police are often seen as not young people-friendly, but they have come up trumps."

Volunteering - Out of Bounds

Looking after animals is a demanding job - yet nearly 20 young people do so free of charge at Gorgie City Farm.

This year alone, teenagers in the Out of Bounds project have devoted more than 1680 hours to volunteering at the farm.

Kirsty Shirlaw, 16, of Liberton, is one of 19 young volunteers who won because of their huge commitment to caring for animals on the farm.

She said: "I'm very happy. It's the first time I've won an award like this. Our volunteering really benefits the wider community. We help look after people's pets while they are away and run regular animal handling sessions."

Visual and Performing Arts - Oxgangs Youth Drama Project

Treading the boards at the world's biggest arts festival was a pipe dream for Oxgangs youngsters when they set up a drama group six years ago. But this summer just over a dozen 11 to 16-year-olds realised that dream, delivering a sell-out for their last two shows.

And they debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe with a very challenging play , Find Me, involving every member of the cast playing at least two characters.

Group member Joe MacDonald, 16, of Oxgangs, said: "We're very surprised to get this and very happy because we worked really hard to overcome the challenges we set ourselves."

Heart of Gold - Ryan Sutherland

THE beam on Ryan Sutherland's face as he received his award showed why his teacher nominated him in the first place.

The 12-year-old St Crispins pupil was put forward for "lighting up the lives of other young people with his warmth and enthusiasm" - despite having autism and learning difficulties himself.

Delighted mum Sarah, 39, said: "I'm so proud of him. He's such a good friend to everyone and always full of beans."

Sporting Achievement - Murray Buchan

With a host of firsts in British competitions this year alone, Murray Buchan is well on his way to becoming an Olympic medalist.

The freestyle skier has made remarkable progress since starting out nine years ago, including becoming the youngest sponsored skier in the UK.

Receiving his award the 15-year-old from Redfern said: "I did not think I'd win. It's great to be recognised for doing something for sport."

Lord Provost's Peer Award -Francesca Ditano, Carolina Pia and Jemma Madden

LOURDES holds hope for many people around the world. And last night it brought recognition for three Corstorphine teenagers who take terminally ill people there seeking cures.

Francesca Ditano, Carolina Pia and Jemma Madden, all 18 and all students, won the Lord Provost's award for their efforts with the Youth for Lourdes group.