A right royal evening

Endless knockbacks had left 14 unemployed young people from the town feeling frustrated and dejected – but the group has now been recognised for the positive impact it has had on its community as it was a winner in the prestigious royal awards ceremony.

The Prince of Wales was joined by a host of celebrities today at The Prince’s Trust & Samsung Celebrate Success Awards, which recognise young people who have overcome issues such as abuse, drug addiction, homelessness and depression.

The young people were just one of three groups from across the UK to be chosen as a finalist, and won the Morgan Stanley Community Impact Award which recognises the positive contribution young people make to their local community.

Team member Oliver Rogers, 21, said: “To win this award is amazing – we still can’t really believe it. We’ve had an amazing time so to win is just the icing on the cake. We’re really proud of the books we produced for young people with learning difficulties and it has inspired us all to continue trying to help others.”

The group took part in The Prince’s Trust 12-week Team programme, and decided to fund, write and produce a series of six books for Hemel Hempstead’s Collett School for pupils with special educational needs.

Also on the night, inspirational Daniel Rogers, 17, of Hemel Hempstead, was named a runner up for an award. Daniel had faced a severe illness and family upheaval which contributed to behavioural problems and Daniel giving up on school.

Daniel’s incredible achievements mean that he was one of just three people from across the UK to be chosen as a finalist for the Novae Educational Achiever of the Year Award. “The Prince’s Trust course really changed my life. Before I started, my behaviourwasn’t very good and I ended up dropping out of school. Because of them I’m now studying carpentry at college and feel confident about my future.”