Some of Moray’s youngest residents have been celebrated at an awards ceremony to recognise their achievements.
More than a dozen “inspirational” finalists were named in the young citizen awards.
Now the winners have been crowned following their tireless efforts throughout the year, which have included fundraising, raising awareness of causes, voluntary work and getting involved in their local community.
Elgin Academy student Aidan Henderson won the overall honour of being named Moray’s young citizen of the year for his efforts, which included running a talent show to support Logan’s Fund.
Meanwhile, St Sylvester’s Primary School won the primary school award for its Moray School Bank group, which collected items of school uniform to pass on to other pupils.
Speyside High School lifted the secondary prize for running its own sleep out in the school grounds with some pupils also taking part in the national Sleep in the Park event to raise awareness of homelessness.
Alves Primary School won the global citizenship award while The Country Quines won the community group prize.
Council convener Shona Morrison said: “When I read through the list of achievements, individually and collectively, carried out by the young people I was blown away.
“That despite their busy lives, young people in Moray are prioritising the needs of their local, national and global communities through inter-generational work, fundraising, resilience building and empowerment.
“What they are doing is truly transformational for those people whose lives they touch.”
The annual young citizen awards are supported by the council as well as Diageo, Elgin Rotary Club and the police.
Vivienne Cross, Moray Council’s head of schools and curriculum development, said: “The number of nominations has grown, which is great, and I was thrilled to see more community nominations, which really shows we’re united in identifying and showcasing young people’s efforts.
“The judging panel had some very difficult decisions to make but they finally agreed on the finalists who deserved recognition for their citizenship activities.”
