Renfrewshire’s Got Talent

Young people who made a positive contribution to Renfrewshire communities were honoured at a special awards ceremony in the Normandy Hotel, Renfrew last night.

The Positive About Youth (PAY) Awards, organised by community-based youth charity Renfrewshire Youth Voice, are held to celebrate the remarkable skills and abilities of local young people aged between 12 and 25. More than 250 guests, including friends, family and sponsors, looked on as the winners were announced at the Normandy Hotel, Renfrew.

Trophies were presented to prize-winners in eight different categories of achievement, including Young Carer of the Year, Young Volunteer of the Year and Youth Group of the Year.

The winners from each of the categories were:

Campaign for change award

Who Cares? Scotland – Young Campaigners Group

Eilish Herron Young Sports Person

Lewis Nicholson

Ferran Hart Young Artist

Sophie Paterson

Literature award

Neave Scott

Unsung Hero award

Aleena Rafi

Young Carer award

Jamie Pizzey

Young Volunteer of the year award

Rebecca Adams

Youth Group of the year award

Paisley Grammar S5/S6 MVP Mentors

Congratulating the winners, Councillor Jim Paterson, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, said:

“The Positive about Youth awards are a great way to showcase the fantastic achievements of young people in Renfrewshire. It’s been a privilege to witness the celebration of talent that young people in Renfrewshire have.

“We have a huge amount of accomplished and committed youngsters in Renfrewshire and these awards demonstrate the great work and results that can be achieved. It is events such as this that continue to build a genuinely favourable image of young people in the area.

“Tonight’s winners and nominees all make a positive difference to their communities and it’s essential that we continue to acknowledge their achievements.”

Commenting on the night, Chair of Renfrewshire Youth Voice, Mark Dougan said:

“The Positive about Youth awards are evidence that Renfrewshire’s youth have a voice, have talent and have an impact on their local communities. It has been great to celebrate our young people tonight and I hope the award winners will motivate and inspire others.”