The young people of the district showed what a talented bunch they were at an awards ceremony last week.

The Mole Valley Youth Showcase awards were held at Dorking Halls last Friday evening to celebrate the achievements of young people in the district.

With a James Bond theme the night featured performances of dance and music from groups such as Stagecoach and the Therfield Jazz Group.

But most important were the awards nine of which were handed out to;

Jake Luscombe from St John's School won the Youth Art and Design Award

William Webb from St John's School won the Youth Community Spirit Award

Sam Langley from Therfield School won the Outstanding Achievement Award

Gill Goswell, a former teacher at the Ashcombe School, won the Youth Professionals Award

Chloe Carey, from the Ashcombe School, won the Youth Performing Arts Award

Gemma Upfold, from the Ashcombe School, won the Youth Sporting Achievement Award

Phil Wheeler, a staff member at the Greville Primary School in Ashtead, won the Junior Youth Voice Specialist Award

Reiko Sudo, from Box Hill school, won the Youth Voice Choice Award

The Big Brother Project at the Bridge Youth Centre in Leatherhead won the Youth Teamwork Award

Tim Hall, the chairman of the council, said: "I was very impressed at the sheer range of talent and the community minded activity by so many different young people from so many different backgrounds. So much of what we hear about young people is negative but you had between 300 and 400 people at the Dorking Halls celebrating youth achievement."

This is the awards ceremony's eight year and is organised, coordinated and presented by the Youth Voice councillors to celebrate the achievements of young people in the district.

Theo Robertson-Bonds, 16, is the leader of the Mole Valley youth council. He said: "There is no real opportunity like this if you look across the county and across the other districts.

"These awards are recognising people for their contribution to the local community and I don't think there is an opportunity like that on offer anywhere else."

The evening also raised more than £320 in funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust.