FORMER world champion and Olympic rowing gold medallist Ed Coode presented 180 young people from Callington and Saltash with awards for the positive difference they have made to their communities at a glittering ceremony at St Mellion International recently.

The CATS (Community Action Awarded Through Sport) scheme rewards young people with sports-based awards for volunteering. They are nominated by their school and local community.

Other sporting stars at the event were martial arts expert Matt Fiddes, former paratrooper Mark Ormrod, Jamie Burchell of Plymouth Raiders and Naomi Kent, netballer and gig rower.

Jonathan Burnard from Callington Community College received Young CATS of the Year Volunteer Award for his commitment to fund raising for a school in India.

Jonathan has carried out many sponsored walks and is due to set off on his walk from Callington to Guipavas in France this weekend.

Mark Ormrod presented him with his award, which has further inspired Jonathan to continue with his volunteering.

Caitlin Marshall from Saltash.net college also received a young volunteer award in recognition of her work with 'Flash' in St Budeaux where her time and efforts have made a real difference to her local community.

The CATS Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Adam Riglar who has been involved in supporting many events at Saltash.net and supports many community organisations, including a local cubs group.

Nominations came from Callington Community College, Callington Police, K3 Saltash, Callington Youth Project, local sports clubs, Livewire and a variety of other local organisations.

Michelle Roberts, secretary of Callington and Saltash CATS, said: 'The awards evening was an amazing evening and paid tribute to the fantastic young people we have volunteering both at schools and within their local community.

'The presenters were first class and gave the evening a real buzz by inspiring the young people with their own personal stories and achievements'.

CATS is supported by Saltash Leisure Centre, Lusty Glaze, Plymouth Ski Centre and many other local providers.

There are five levels within the award scheme and these are based on the level of commitment, responsibility and participation time, shown by the young volunteer.

This year for the first time a level 5 award was achieved.

Young people from CATS were involved in designing cards for Mother's Day which were on sale with Hallmark this year, helping to raise money for cancer research which was great national recognition for the scheme.

Originally founded in Bude in 2005, CATS was launched in Callington and Saltash two years later and has proven to be very successful in providing positive activities and opportunities for young people within the areas of Callington and Saltash. CATS has worked closely with a range of partners including Callington Community College, Saltash.Net, Devon and Cornwall Police and Youth Cornwall to promote the scheme and develop a positive activities programme and volunteering opportunities in both towns.