The Slough Youth Awards presented at the Curve on Friday allowed young people who had made a contribution to their town to enjoy the limelight.

An audience of local people, friends, family, council staff, and members of the community and voluntary sector were treated to entertainment by talented young people, including Slough Community Youth Soul Choir led by Rebecca Richardson, before the awards were presented.

Among the winners were Klaudia Walas who was young sport person of the year. She was chosen for her achievements in athletics, and helping others get into in sports. She has competed on a national level multiple times, and amongst other titles she is currently ranked in the top 20 within the UK for triple jump.

Runners-up in that category were Zahir Chaudhery and Aarushe Singh.

Zahir, who is a world champion in wrestling and ju-jitsu, said: "I like to teach sports classes and I am aware of the knife crime going on and problems with young people. A difference can be made about the issues if we use sports and activities."

Aarushe said: “I am really grateful to receive this award as it’s important to try new things and believe in yourself. I take this opportunity to continue to make a positive contribution to Slough.”

Susuana Senghor was winner of the Young Inspiration Award, for her work empowering young women through Slough Youth Parliament, the Safer Slough Partnership, other multi-agency boards and for sitting on the national Youth Select Committee inquiry into knife crime working at the House of Commons.

She said: “I volunteer because I genuinely care, I want young people to be more integrated into the community. This award will help me further my message.”

Slough Youth Awards are supported by the council’s Young People’s Service, Slough Youth Parliament and Slough Council for Voluntary Service (CVS).

Ketan Gandhi, service lead for communities and leisure, said: “It was a fantastic night. Congratulations to everyone involved in organising another successful Slough Youth Awards event and most of all to all our talented and dedicated young people for their fantastic achievements. Well done.”