A Royston youth charity has been recognised with a national award for its dedicated work helping young people from deprived backgrounds turn their lives around.

Youth at Risk has been handed an Education 2 Employment (E2E) Honorary Award by The Onslow Trust ? a national organisation which inspires youngsters to raise their aspirations and supports the transition from education to employment.

Just one of three to receive the accolade, the charity has been recognised for its innovation and excellence in preparing young adults for the next stage of employment or training.

The charity helps young disadvantaged people to make a fresh start through intensive personal development and coaching initiatives.

Chief operating officer Ellie Garraway said: “Our work is different to many charities.

“We transform attitudes, mindsets and beliefs rather than teaching skills. We believe this is the way to get to the roots of why young people are not achieving.

“For many this means changing their attitude to work, discovering their talents and getting excited about aspirations they’d given up on.

“More than two thirds of young people on our programmes re-engage with employment through the work we do with them – more importantly they’re motivated and committed to building a thriving future.

“We’re proud to have been recognised for this by The Onslow Trust.”

The charity has worked with the IRA, young offenders, Kosovans during the Balkans conflict, and on a project turning deprived youths from Birmingham into ballet stars for a Channel Four documentary.

Onslow Trust chief executive Danielle Pilcher said: “We are delighted to be awarding Youth at Risk with the Education 2 Employment Honorary Award for an outstanding contribution to the development of young adults nationwide.

“Their bespoke guidance programmes and substantial involvement in communities make a noteworthy impact on societal growth.

“We are extremely proud to support the work of Youth at Risk as they continue to lead youth development across the UK.”