Video: Night of celebration for Yorkshire’s young achievers

Hundreds attended the Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards in Leeds last night to hear incredible stories of the region’s kindest and most determined young people.

The event, backed by our sister newspaper the Yorkshire Evening Post, was held at Leeds United’s Centenary Pavilion and celebrates the achievements of people aged under 35.

Peter McCormick, from McCormicks Solicitors, which organised the event, said: “Our 22nd year proved another night to remember. The awards are a celebration of all that is good about young people in Yorkshire.”

Youngster of the Year went to brave Harry Phillips, nine, of Wakefield, after he raised £45,000 for Candlelighters during his battle with leukaemia. He taught himself magic tricks on the ward at Leeds General Infirmary and entertained children and parents.

The Achievement in the Arts Award, sponsored by the Yorkshire Evening Post, was shared between Emmerdale actresses Verity Rushworth and six-year-old Amelia Flanagan, who played mother and daughter Donna and April Windsor.

England and former Leeds United footballer James Milner, took home the Achievement in Sport award. The Achievement in Education honour went to Charlotte Newman, 24, of Leeds, who was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma at Leeds University. She achieved a first-class law degree and is now a trainee solicitor.

Jessica Hartley, 22, of Batley, won the Unsung Hero award for caring for her late mother, Carol, during her battle with cancer. Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher won the Special Award for his support of the awards.

Jack Marshall, 16, from Doncaster was Personality of the Year and Andrew Hudson, 28, of Leeds, founder of G&H Sustainability, was recognised for Achievement in Management and Enterprise.