Young people from across Belfast were given the red carpet treatment at their very own awards night at City Hall recently.

The annual Youth ‘Oscars’ which are now in their seventh year, recognise the important role young people play in city life, and celebrate the positive work going on in communities across Belfast.

Lord Mayor Nichola Mallon said she was delighted to meet many of the award winners and their peers.

The Lord Mayor also presented a special ‘Best of Belfast’ award to James Deeds from west Belfast who had already picked up an award earlier in the evening for his inspirational work with young people as a sports mentor and going above and beyond in his role.

Also, among the winners on the night was South Belfast PCSP award winner Paul Russell, who prevented a person in distress from setting himself on fire outside City Hall. Paul Russell was hailed as a hero in the media at the time, and his valiant intervention was singled out for praise as he picked up the award.

The New Lodge Youth Centre in north Belfast were also awarded the PSNI award for their engagement on a 16 week programme where they focused on tackling anti social behaviour with involvement from the PSNI. The project included frank discussion about values, beliefs and acceptable behaviour within the community and has led to further work on policing and justice, sexual crime and knife crime.

Also picking up an award were more young people from north Belfast - from Hammer and Ardoyne Youth Clubs – who were awarded the Youth Justice Agency’s award for their R-City Project where they came together to look at issues such as homelessness, mental health, drugs and alcohol and physical health. The group were awarded for encouraging positive change in the mindset of local people showing that the same issues effect both communities. Many of the young people have progressed to becoming young leaders where they continue to tackle social issues and improve community relations.

The event also boasted some top musical entertainment from Janet Devlin, DJ Shay and Connor Scott, as well as a dance performance by Innova.

For more info on the awards and winners, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/youthawards

Pictured at the event is former X factor contestant, singer Janet Devlin with Niall Kelly from the PCSP, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Nichola Mallon, Justice Minister David Forde and Judith Hill who hosted the awards ceremony.