YOUNGSTERS in West Devon are celebrating National Youth Work Week this week, and over the last few months young people in Tavistock have achieved a great deal with Devon Youth Service and Tavistock Youth Café.

From gaining awards in baby-sitting, first aid, Devon Music Awards and volunteering to raising lots of money for various charities, youngsters in Tavistock have been extremely busy.

Young people in the area have represented the South West at Devon Games to Inspire in Street Sports, raised money for Comic Relief through a sponsored cycle ride, and have been awarded grants for various projects.

Naomi Salmon, Tavistock area youth worker, said: 'In May we did a very successful residential at the Dartmoor Centre with the Local Youth Network and Tavistock Outdoor Education Forum.

'The young people went caving, walking, mountain biking and kayaking.

'Young people have lobbied to improve their facilities in Tavistock and worked hard to get BMX trails in the meadows, which will soon be open to the public.

'In order to get the trails built, young people had to form a management committee and will be maintaining them once they are in use. Several of our young people are also on the youth bank committee which makes decisions on grant applications, and one of these youngsters also managed to get onto Devon's Youth Parliament through our support and voting stations in the area.

'Over the summer we had a lot of fun and provided positive activities for young people through funding from local councillors and the Big Lottery projects in the area.

'This gave free trips and activities such as trips to Woodlands, Quay West, Paignton Zoo, Mounthawke Skate Park, Crealy and a beach trip.

'We also supported and entered a team into the Abbots Way Walk and provided many adventurous opportunities through the Tavistock Adventure Group (TAG), which is hoping to gain funding for next year to do the Three Peaks Challenge.'

Devon Youth Service provides help, support and opportunities to young people aged 11 to 19 and encourages active participation in the community and volunteering.

The service provides weekly youth club sessions in partnership with Tavistock Youth Café, Youth 2 Youth, in Bere Alston, Horrabridge Youth Club and Mary Tavy Youth Club.

For more information about these sessions contact Naomi Salmon on 01822 617131 or email [email protected]">[email protected]