Inspirational Young People Receive Awards at INSPIRE North

90 inspirational young people from Yorkshire and Humber, North East and North West were presented with a Diana Award as part of the INSPIRE Series in memory of Princess Diana.

The event was sponsored by Talk Direct, Pugata and Denham. Hosts for the award included BBC Look North's weather girl Abbie Dewhurst and previous award winners, Jemima Browning and Brian Ashcorft.

The Diana Award was presented to the winners by Danny Jones, Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft MBE and the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire.

These exceptional young people embody Princess Diana’s qualities of kindness, compassion and service. Today the Diana Award has the support of both her sons the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

The Diana award was set up in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, and her belief that young people have the power to change the world for the better. It is committed to fostering, inspiring and developing positive change in the lives of young people through practical social action. Award Holders change the lives of others; whether they’re a volunteer, fundraiser, carer, campaigner or Anti-Bullying mentor.

Tessy Ojo, Chief Executive, Diana Award, says;

“These awards come in a landmark year for the Diana Award as we join the world to mark the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana.  At The Diana Award we understand that valuing young people also means investing in them so we are delighted that these Award recipients will have access to our unique development programme that ensures they continue to be positive trailblazers for their generation.”   

Danny Jones, says:

"I’m really excited to meet such an inspirational group of young people, especially being so close to home. It’s an amazing way to give recognition to these incredibly special people and to hear their stories. It makes me proud to be northern. They are true heroes.”

As well as being celebrated with a prestigious Diana Award, young people attending INSPIRE North received specialised training in campaigning and community action to kick start a year long social action initiative, with their peers, to tackle social issues, make a positive change and contribute to a brighter future for themselves and others.

Click here for more information about The Diana Award and how you can get involved.