MUSICAL teenager Christopher Hobson has been honoured for his voluntary work in providing entertainment for all ages.

The 16-years-old Astley student has won Soroptimist International of Leigh and District's "Youth In The Community Award."

The Journal-promoted event pulled in a high calibre of candidates, but after a tough job the judging panel decided Christopher, of Church Road, shone out just a little more than the rest.

As a result four runners-up were also presented with certificates at a ceremony at Leigh Liberal Club on Monday.

They went to Charlotte Grundy, 19, of Lingard Drive, Astley, Laura Hodgkinson, 16, of Crosby Street, Atherton, Amanda Long, 16, of Haddon Road, Lowton, and Darren and Elizabeth Speers, 19 and 14 respectively, of Boston Grove, Leigh.

Soroptimists' president Gill Bowyer said: "The event has been a great success though selecting the winner was extremely tough. It's wonderful to know that there are so many young people working voluntarily to help others in their communities."

Raised money

Former Garrett Hall Primary School pupil Chris won a place at Chethams School of Music at the age of 11 and during his five years there gave concerts in local old folks' homes and raised money for his junior school.

In January this year he was approached to help with a production being staged by Kearsley Amateur Dramatic Society - and from this he developed a children's theatre group.

"The New Generation" was born and now has a membership of 25 meeting each Friday at Highfield Hall Community Centre where Chris also helps with the adult group.

The young tutor is also a volunteer musical director of an operatic group, accompanist and adviser to a group which entertains in homes for the elderly.

Chris, who is studying for A levels at Eccles College, was nominated by Margaret Lever who said: "He is a marvellous example of youth at its best."

He received a cheque for £50 from Waterfields, a £50 cheque to present to the charity of his choice and The Greyhound presented the choice of a meal for two or a day pass to the new leisure centre.

Charlotte, a St Andrew's University student, was nominated for her work in the Guiding world by Joan Vanes. She became a youth leader with Tyldesley Guides and worked as a volunteer at an Help The Aged shop and helper at St Stephen's Church, Astley.

Laura, was nominated by her Hesketh Fletcher High School teacher, Heather Hutchinson, for her tireless work in fund raising to help school friend, Daniel Berry, who had been diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia.

She became pupil team leader to organise events to collect cash to send Daniel to America for treatment, raising over £10,000 in three months -- while studying for GCSE O levels.

She is delighted that Daniel's cancer is now in remission following a bone marrow transplant in May.

Amanda works voluntarily with Hospital Radio Metro working with the programme controller and producing and co-presenting his Thursday show. She hopes to eventually present and produce her own show and was nominated by a teacher at Golborne High School.

Darren and Elizabeth's achievements have spanned the years. For the past eight both have visited and entertained in old folk's homes as well as being involved in charity fund raising events. Darren is a previous police youth in the community award winner.

The teenagers both support their parents who have health problems and Elizabeth is also involved with a young carers' action group. They were nominated by their mum, Anne.