THE Cheshire-based Canal Boat Adventure Project was the lead organisation in a group of school leavers who picked up two of seven national prizes in the Catch 22 National Citizen Service awards at a prestigious ceremony in London.
The awards – for the best social action and media/film projects – were presented by Princess Anne.
Jordan Harvey, a former student at Warrington’s Priestley College, won the best media/film award.
To win the social action award, the youngsters turned an abandoned youth centre into a promising social enterprise in just one month, after being spurred on by news that there would be no funding for the work for the next 15 years.
After repairing the building and opening it again to the public the young people are expected to secure the lease or ownership.
The Canal Boat Adventure Project, based on the Bridgewater Canal at Preston Brook, operates narrow boats suitable for use by young people and the disabled. It is supported by Frodsham and Helsby Rotary Club, Warrington Rotary Club and Cheshire Police. It is managed by Norma Hornby, of Appleton and Peter Berryman, of Walton.
Picture: Princess Anne chats to some of the youngsters.
