Young people deliver local awards

And, as usual, the unique awards ceremony - which will be held next February - has been taken over by a group of local young people, to ensure it is indeed truly child-friendly.

The prestigious event, which first launched in the city in 2014, celebrates all the fantastic work that goes on across the city to make it the best place for children and young people to grow up in. The Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House Learning Team has been involved since the beginning, after first being approached by Child Friendly Leeds to host the awards.

It was this team that decided young people should take control of the planning and delivery of the event, with a board of 11-18 year olds gathered to pull the evening together. This year’s group of 13 children, who have called themselves The Dynamics, have already been introduced to the venue and a range of professionals so they can learn about the different job roles involved in pulling the event together - from operating the lights to front of house and presenting.

Maddison Norton, arts administration apprentice at Leeds Grand Theatre, said: “I am enjoying working with The Dynamics on the awards and watching their confidence grow. They are bonding as a group and it is wonderful to see the enjoyment and excitement they share with each other.

“It is a pleasure working with them and something I look forward to every week.”

Theatre education manager, Stephen Brennan, added: “This is my first time working on the awards and what has struck me is just how passionate and motivated the young people are. It’s fantastic to be part of a project that empowers young people.”