The Youth Council is the proud recipient of the Diana Award – which celebrates young people who support others and strive to improve their communities.

This award was established in 1999 as a lasting legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales’ belief that young people have the power to change the world.

Southend Youth Council has been granted the accolade for staging the hugely successful ‘On your bike’ event in Priory Park, Southend on Saturday 29th September. It was specially arranged by Southend Youth Mayor Zeeshan Mitha and Youth Council members in partnership with Cycle Southend, to promote cycling amongst young people.

Youth Council members now join 38,000 other inspirational young people who have won the award for demonstrating the qualities associated with the late Princess – compassion and a selfless commitment to improving the lives of others. This also means they can now join the Diana Network, a programme offering them the opportunity to volunteer, gain valuable life skills and put these into practice with internships and work placements.

They could also join the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors Programme – an ideal opportunity to speak up and become the voice of anti-bullying in the community.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, Councillor James Courtenay said: “We are extremely proud of our Youth Council, and for them to gain the exceptional national recognition of a Diana Award is a momentous achievement. “It is thoroughly well-deserved, and I would like to congratulate the Youth Council for winning this as a result of their excellent On your Bike event initiative. “This took a great deal of hard work and organisation, and was a terrific venture arranged for the benefit of all young people in the borough.”

Southend Youth Mayor, Zeeshan Mitha said: “We are really honoured to receive the award, and delighted that our event has been so well-received.”

Executive Director of the Diana Award, Tessy Ojo said: “The Diana Award is proud to recognise young campaigners like Southend Youth Council who have the confidence and courage to stand up for what they believe. The Diana Active Campaigner Award is presented to inspirational young people who have made a positive difference in their communities. With a growing network of 38,000 Award Holders, we are building a force of young people who are committed to take social action and improve our communities.”