From sporting success to bravery in dealing with an illness, more than 100 young people were honoured for their efforts at the ninth annual Derbyshire County Council Young Achiever Awards, which took place at Highfield School in Matlock.

Gareth Jones, presenter of TV programmes How2 and Tomorrow's World, handed out the awards, helped by county council chair Joyce Sanders.

Guests were welcomed to last Friday's celebrations by a speech from council leader John Williams, and the evening was compered by Ruth Terry and J from Ram FM.

Cllr Williams said: "Young people achieve many great things in our communities - and some of these achievements are made against incredible odds.

"These awards are about giving young people the credit they deserve."

LISA-MARIE RUTHERFORD – Chapel-en-le-Frith
For the last eight years Lisa-Marie has put her mum Pam before herself, getting up early to help her shower and dress before school and helping her to prepare meals when she gets home.

Pam had an accident in February 2000 which resulted in a spinal injury leaving her unable to bend or do many things for herself.

For four years of this time Pam was a single parent but Lisa-Marie never complained about helping out or missing out on activities.

The dedicated 15-year-old takes a great interest in student mentoring at Chapel-en-le-Frith High School and strongly supports the anti-bullying campaign.

She's also recently been made a school prefect and house captain and plans to go into further education to study public services in readiness to apply to join the ambulance service. Pam has nominated Lisa-Marie to recognise her caring attitude and devotion to others.

LAURA O'BOYLE – Whaley Bridge
Despite the difficulties she faces, Laura never gets down in the dumps - even when she has to miss out on lessons with her friends to receive specialist teaching.

Teacher Suzanne Hardy, who nominated nine-year-old Laura for the award, says she's a delightful girl with a mischievous sense of humour who always gives 100 per cent and shows remarkable courage and bravery in the way she deals with cerebral palsy.

Quite simply Laura enriches life at Taxal and Fernilee Primary and is a valuable member of the school community.