THE outstanding achievements of teenagers in Lancashire were recognised by a charity created after the death of a young Blackburn man.

The Lancashire Inspirational Young People’s Awards saw 21 winners aged 15 to 19 recognised by the Every Action Has Consequences charity, set up in memory of Adam Rogers.

Adam was acting as a peacemaker when he lost his life in a single-punch attack in Blackburn in July 2009.

Subsequently, his parents Pat and Dave set up the charity which campaigns on issues of aggression and seeks ways to help young people resolve conflict without violence. The campaign is supported by the Lancashire Telegraph.

Adam, who was also a Padiham FC Ladies coach and sports performance graduate from The University of Cumbria, was remembered on the night with a moving speech by his father.

Friday night’s awards ceremony and dinner was held at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel in Clayton-le-Moors, poignantly on what would have been Adam’s 32nd birthday.

Mrs Rogers said: “I’ve been overwhelmed to hear the stories and selflessness of the young people here.

“They have such positivity and energy and rewarding them in this small way is a perfect tribute to Adam on what would have been his birthday.”

Among those recognised was Jordan Marsden, 17, from Huncoat.

Jordan gives up hours each week to act as a volunteer teaching assistant at White Ash school in Oswaldtwistle, where his seven-year-old sister Amelia attends.

He said: “Amelia has special needs and the staff there do so much to help and support her.

“Volunteering is just my way of thanking them for that and I enjoy it anyway.

“I think the Ever Action Has Consequences charity does great work and I’m honoured to be invited to this event.”

Sulayman Tabassam, 16, from Burnley, attends Sir John Thursby school.

He was nominated by school staff for an ‘overcoming adversity’ award after settling in quickly following a move from Scotland.

He went on to become deputy head boy and a school representative just months after arriving.

He said: “I was surprised and delighted to be asked to this event.

“It’s interesting to meet so many people who’ve achieved so much.”

At the beginning of the ceremony Adam’s lifelong friend, Michael Strahm sang a song he had written about his late friend.

‘Podge’s Song referred to Adam’s nickname, given to him because he was ‘so skinny and wiry’.

Among the others honoured were Emily Linaker, 16, who underwent a heart transplant after a ‘horrendous’ period when medics thought she had no chance of staying alive.

Emily, from Hoghton, has amazed with her recovery from the major surgery.

Adam Rogers himself left a longstanding legacy after his organs were donated following his sudden death. The move has brought new life to five people.

Awards were given for volunteering, facing adversity, sport, leadership, science, art and community.