CITYGATE WATFORD REWARDS OUTSTANDING YOUNG PEOPLE

Citygate Watford was the proud title sponsor of the 2007 Young People of the Year awards.

At a moving and poignant ceremony held in the luxurious surroundings of The Grove Country Club and Hotel in Hertfordshire, young people from Watford and Hertsmere were revealed, recognised and rewarded for their outstanding contribution to the local community, their school, family and friends.

Sixteen fantastic finalists aged from 11 to 24 were invited to tell the audience a little about their amazing achievements, while compère and organiser Tony Gearing talked candidly about what makes these young people so deserving of a nomination.

The Young People of the Year Awards, also known as YOPEY, was set up by Mr. Gearing in response to the negative storiesemanatingfrom UK media regarding British youth as ‘binge-drinking, violent hoodies.’

Believing this represents an incredibly small group of British teenagers, he set up the awards scheme to discover and reward those individuals in the local community who are making an outstanding contribution to those around them.

YOPEY looks to celebrate these young people and to raise awareness of the time they give to helping others, their school, scout and guide groups, and raising money for charity.

Richard Eagell, Operations Manager at Citygate Watford was delighted to have been one of the judges for the event, but admits he found the judging process extremely difficult: “Citygate Watford is delighted to have sponsored the Young People of the Year Awards in Watford and Hertsmere.

It has been a real privilege to witness the remarkable efforts made by these young people who give so much of their time for others.

Each and every one of the finalists thoroughly deserves to be revealed, recognised and rewarded for their amazing achievements, and with the help of YOPEY long may this continue.”