AN Appleton community group has been recognised by the Prime Minister for the support it offers to young people in the area.

Last month, John Harper was invited to 10 Downing Street to receive the Community Champion Award on behalf of Broomfields Youth Project (BYP).

BYP works with young people aged between 13 and 17 across the local community and specialises in supporting them with their emotional or mental wellbeing.

The award, which celebrates people who make constituencies across the country a better place to live and work, came about after a nomination from Warrington South MP Andy Carter.

The community group is built on strong local partnerships with Bridgewater High School, Cheshire Police, parish councils, local churches and businesses as well as Broomfields Leisure Centre.

Talking about the award, John said: “I accept this accolade on behalf of all those who have made our youth project a reality in the last 10 years.

“To our staff team, volunteers, financial partners, board members and most importantly our brilliant young people, I want to thank you for the partnership this far.

“But we still have a long way to go to deliver the level of support for young people in this area that they need. Let's keep going.

Warrington Guardian:

“Our next target is to build a bigger, fit-for-purpose youth centre in Warrington South.”

After BYP received the invitation to meet Prime Minister, John asked a number of the group’s young people what they would like to ask him to share with Rishi Sunak when they met.

This included asking Mr Sunak if he was still set on introducing maths for students through to the age of 18 as many of BYP’s youngsters were unsure they liked the idea.

With a wry smile, the Prime Minister replied that this was ‘interesting feedback indeed’.

Commenting on BYP’s award, Mr Carter said: “I was really delighted to welcome John Harper, who manages the Broomfields Youth Project in Warrington South, to 10 Downing Street last week to meet the Prime Minister and to say thanks to John for his work with young people in Warrington South.

“With John, I’m working to improve facilities for young people in south Warrington as part of an upgrade to Broomfield Leisure Centre when the next round of Levelling Up Funding opens later this year.

“BYP has outgrown their hub, which is currently in the leisure centre car park and future plans will see them included in a new community facility.”