YOUNG people and their mentors were honoured at an annual awards ceremony organised to pay tribute to their achievements.

Around 150 awards were given out at the Bolton Lads and Girls Club Mentoring Awards at the Holiday Inn in Higher Bridge Street, Bolton.

The mentoring project began in 1997, when it became apparent that many young people who attended the club were experiencing a range of problems, particularly those aged 12 to 16.

Volunteers are recruited to provide a one-to-one relationship with a young person. They help them to make appropriate decisions on education, training and employment, as well as helping with problems and anxieties.

A number of mentors and young people described to an audience of more than 350 people how the project had changed their lives.

Jordan Walsh, aged 14, from Kearsley, said he had been suffering from low confidence and a lack of self-esteem after being assaulted on the street.

He went to the project for help, and with the help of his mentor, Tim Richards, began to rebuild his shattered confidence.

He is now experiencing life on the stage at Bolton Little Theatre.

He said: "To be involved in a youth theatre group was something I really wanted to do. Tim has helped me achieve my goals, and thanks to him I am involved with Bolton Little Theatre where I have made loads of friends.

"The project is an excellent team effort that helps young people like me overcome their problems and turn them into success stories."

Jordan presented Mr Richards with a home-made "Tim'll Fix It" badge, adding: "Tim fixed it for me."

Mr Richards, aged 53, from Heaton, said the project had given him a great sense of achievement.

He said: "All off a sudden, this shy, retiring, quiet lad found himself doing street theatre at Bolton Festival and performing in front of hundreds of people five nights a week."

Jordan's mum, Joanne Walsh, added: "It's been fantastic. He is confident and a totally different child."

Project manager Karen Edwards thanked her army of volunteers, and said they saw it as their duty to help young people achieve their potential.

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Frank White, said: "Every young person in this room tonight is capable of achieving their dreams. If you have a positive attitude then you will be a success, and this scheme will help you achieve that."

Last year, Karen Edwards met Prime Minister Tony Blair at 10 Downing Street for a special event for community organisations.

The scheme currently has a waiting list of 35 young people aged 13 to 16, and is looking for more volunteers to become mentors.

Mentoring involves giving up an hour a week to help a young person. To find out more, call 01204 540111.