A TEAM of young volunteers who raised thousands of pounds for a cancer charity has received a regional award for their achievements.

The group of 16 and 17 years from Darlington took part in the six week National Citizen Service (NCS) scheme last summer, when they organised and took part in an 84-mile walk along Hadrian’s Wall for the Teenage Cancer Trust, raising £3,500.

In recognition of their efforts, the team was named as the regional winner of the most outstanding NCS team vInspired National Awards, which celebrate young volunteers.

The Darlington team, dubbed The Survivors, also organised a family fun day and charity concert in the town to raise money for young people with cancer, running games and activities, sourcing prizes from local businesses for a raffle, and securing a van load of donated cakes to sell.

George Lister, NCS team leader and youth worker, who supported the group through the programme, said: “It’s such an honour for this NCS team to be presented with this award. The team had such amazing resilience and a positive attitude. They didn’t take part in the programme to get awards – knowing they were helping people was enough motivation.

“These young people achieved their goal against all odds and never gave up an achievement to be proud of. I know that I personally am very privileged to have worked with them all.”

The regional winners will be shortlisted to national finalists this month, with the national award winners revealed at an awards ceremony at the Camden Roundhouse in March.