TWO teenagers were given a huge boost for their community voluntary work.

The Millennium Award winners' presentation ceremony, held at Blackburn Town Hall, saw Hannah Walker, 15, and Karen Rawstron, 18, each awarded £1,000 grants to spend on community projects of their choice.

The pair applied to the Millennium Commission for grants after taking part in Blackburn with Darwen's Summer Slam.

They will be supported by mentors in Blackburn, and will take part in training schemes in London.

Hannah, who attends Darwen Vale High School, is teaming up with her friend Nifisha Acktar for her project.

Hannah and Nifisha met at a residential activity which brings together able-bodied and disabled people. Nifisha is in a wheelchair and Hannah wants to film the difficulties they face whilst out shopping.

She is buying the necessary equipment and hopes to make the film before her GCSEs in the summer. The finished video will be used as part of a learning resource in Blackburn with Darwen schools.

Hannah said: "I was really pleased to get the award as it is a big achievement and there were a lot of people going for it. Everyone is really proud of me."

Karen, a student at Blackburn College, has been working as a volunteer at the Blackburn with Darwen Study Support Centre since the summer. The centre offers young people a place to go to get support with homework and revision.

Karen will put her money towards producing a computerised presentation package to be used in schools to promote the centre.

Karen said: "I was really happy to win the award because I feel that the project is a worthy cause, and that awareness needed raising for the study support group."

Coun Mahfooz Hussain, executive member for education, said: "Blackburn with Darwen Summer Slam is a tremendous opportunity for young people to participate in, and these awards prove how successful Summer Slam has become."

Andrea Hayes, holiday learning development officer, added: "Hannah and Karen have both worked very hard. These projects are great examples of the opportunities that Summer Slam, and other out-of-school hours learning activities, can create for young people."