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Fifteen pupils from schools across Manchester received special recognition for their contribution to life at school and in the community at the Manchester Educational Award for Citizenship celebration.

The event was held for the first time on Tuesday at Manchester Town Hall when 10 year olds Abdul Choudhry, of Bowker Vale Primary and Kayleigh McCaffrey of Cheetwood Primary School, and Alex Meara-Smith, aged 11, of Plant Hill High School, Blackley received awards.

The ceremony was organised to celebrate the achievements of Manchester pupils who have made a positive contribution to the school by making a significant improvement in their performance.

Candidates for awards were also selected for demonstrating respect for themselves and others within the local community showing co-operation, continuous effort and motivation.

Cllr Richard Leese

The children and their guests were invited to Mancheste Town Hall to receive a certificate recognising their achievements and a ?10 book token.

Manchester City Council leader Richard Leese presented the awards at the ceremony attended by the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor John Smith, and the Council's Chief Education Officer David Johnston.

Award winners and their guests were then treated to a buffet reception

Councillor Leese said: "We feel it is important that we should not overlook the valuable contribution that young people in Manchester make to their schools and to their local communities. I am delighted that the outstanding achievements of these 15 young winners have been recognised."