STARS of the borough - that is how Eastleigh mayor Gillian Connell described teenagers who received the council's first "Oscars" for young people.

The Young Person of the Year awards saluted youngsters aged 18 or under who had carried out outstanding acts of community service, shown regular acts of kindness to others, outstanding acts of bravery or had overcome illness or disability.

Special achievement awards went to Clare Nolan, Gerwyn Clegg, Adam Vivian and Kate Clifft.

Fourteen-year-old Clare - the sister of missing Hamble schoolboy Dan Nolan - was described as a beacon of light in giving her family hope in their darkest hours.

Courageous Adam, of Bishopstoke, had been diagnosed with cancer when he was 14.

But he battled through and has been an amazing role model for his fellow students at Fair Oak's Wyvern Technology College.

Despite having to deal with his illness Adam asked the college to send in his Year 8 exams so that he could complete them from his hospital bed.

Adam is now back at college where he works incredibly hard at his studies and never uses his illness as an excuse to get out of work.

Major work in his local community led to a special achievement award for Gerwyn, of Hedge End, who has been involved with the Youth Council for the past four years.

He has helped a lot of young people to get some of the things they wanted for their areas, including a new youth building at Wildern School and a new skate park.

Kate, from Hamble, was also honoured with a special achievement award for her brave battle after she was diagnosed with leukaemia.

Despite her illness she continued to play an active role with youth work in the local community.

The nomination for her award read: "Throughout her illness she has been an inspiration to other young people, remaining positive and cheerful."

Other young people receiving awards were Daniel Bevis and Callum Reed for work in the community, Beth Douglas, Kirsty Fisher, Anthony Hancy, Anthony Lamont and Becky Scott, all for voluntary work, and Pippa Plant for bravery in overcoming illness.

After presenting certificates to all the award winners, the mayor described them as wonderful young people who were role models for other youngsters.

"You are stars of the borough," said Cllr Connell.