Teenagers are Good Citizens

Danielle Ferguson, 18, Morgwen Dickason, 16, and Ryan Hope, 17, collected awards for putting in hours of unpaid work helping others.

The trio were among 13 residents who were presented with Good Citizens Awards by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

This year was the first time the list of awardees included under 18s.

The honoured teenagers said they want to change people’s preconceptions about young people.

Ryan, who is chairman of the Westham Youth Forum, received his award for his work in breaking down barriers between generations.

He has organised work parties with fellow teenagers to tidy up gardens for elderly people and holds forum meetings to give young people a chance to be heard.

Ryan, from Weymouth, said: “I’m trying to get people to realise that kids aren’t troublemakers. People are surprised when they find out what I do and they’re shocked when I tell them I don’t expect payment for gardening work.”

Weymouth College student Danielle Ferguson finds time in between her studies to serve elderly people cups of tea through the Dorset Ivy volunteer group and to help mentally and physically disabled youngsters.

She is also the only Dorset member of the British Youth Council, where she works on campaigns to change negative views of young people.

Danielle, of Portland, has also organised a 24-hour sponsored skate at The Front skate park in Weymouth on Saturday. Youngsters will be encouraged to decorate areas of the park in between skate sessions.

Danielle said: “We’re trying to get kids involved in things. If they have something of their own that they care about then they look after it. We’re trying to change the negative view of young people through the youth council.”

Danielle has been volunteering since she was 10.

“I started helping with the Rotary club and did other things from there. I wanted something to do so I wouldn’t get bored over the summer,” she said.

Wey Valley School student Morgwen has been volunteering at Wyvern School in Weymouth twice a week during lunchtime for five years.

She helps teachers with lessons and reads to students at the special school. She even gives up her free time after school and at the weekend to help out.

Year 11 student Morgwen is hoping to further relations between the schools and improve understanding of disabled students.

She wants to arrange for some Wyvern students to attend the Wey Valley prom in the summer.

Morgwen said: “My school friends think I’m crazy but I think the students at Wyvern are great and I’ve made many friends.”

Weymouth and Portland mayor Tim Munro, who presented the awards, paid tribute to all the recipients.

He said: “It takes a special sort of people to give up their own time and go and help others.

“There’s no bigger honour for the mayor than meeting with the people of Weymouth and Portland who contribute most.”