TWO teenage friends who earned praise for their initiative to create a new shelter for young people in Carlton Colville have won a regional youth award.

Charlie Dinsdale, 17, and Witney Catchpole, 16, were the driving force behind the Shelter A Hoodie project – raising money to improve facilities for teenagers in their area.

Their efforts led to a new purpose-built shelter being put up in Carlton Meadow Park, off Lowestoft Road, which offers young somewhere warm and dry to spend their free time.

Last month, the Journal reported that Charlie and Witney had been put forward by youth workers Debbie Goddard and Ian Castro for a Suffolk Young People of the Year award.

They were invited to a presentation ceremony in Woodbridge and, although they did not win the overall prize, their project has now earned them further recognition by winning the Unite Award for 'team activity' in the regional vInspired awards, run by the national service for youth volunteers.

Charlie and Witney will find out in January if they have also been selected as national finalists.

Mr Castro said; 'It's a fantastic achievement for them to have won the regional award. The recognition is deserved and it's worth bearing in mind that Charlie and Witney are the figureheads for a great team. They have an excellent group of young people behind them too.'

He said the project was a perfect example of what could be done if young people sought to make a positive difference. 'It shows others what can be achieved,' he said.

l Charlie Dinsdale (second right) and Witney Catchpole are pictured at the Young People of the Year awards evening at Woodbridge, accompanied by Lowestoft mayor and mayoress Nigel and Lynn Dack.