YOUTH work charity Didcot TRAIN was honoured by MPs in the House of Commons.

The charity was Highly Commended at the Kids Count Inspiration Awards Ceremony, voted by MPs.

TRAIN youth workers go onto Didcot’s streets with volunteers to get to know vulnerable teenagers, try to understand their needs and support them.

TRAIN also aims to provide constructive and creative alternatives to vandalism, drugs and alcohol.

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Paul Gander, a youth worker for TRAIN since it was founded in 2002, said he was “thrilled” to receive the award.

He said: “For TRAIN to receive the award is a testament to the young people that we work with.

“They inspire us with their ability to overcome their problems and difficulties, and at the same time they are also now contributing to the community of Didcot.”

Mr Gander travelled to the House of Commons with teenagers Jake Gibbs, Dom Palmer and Tasha Dewsbury and TRAIN staff Karen Williams and Jenny Simm to collect the award on Monday, October 20.

TRAIN was nominated by Wantage MP Ed Vaizey and it was presented by Greg Clark MP. Mr Clark said: “Since it was founded in 2002, TRAIN has helped hundreds of young people through difficult times, so that they become part of, rather than problems for, the local community.’’

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