TWO teenagers have been rewarded for outstanding service to the community for their voluntary work with the disabled and people with learning difficulties.

TWO teenagers have been rewarded for outstanding service to the community for their voluntary work with the disabled and people with learning difficulties.

Amber Dixon, 15, and Victoria Brewer, 18, have been jointly awarded the HMS Ganges Youth Trophy by Felixstowe Town Council and will each hold it for six months.

Sixth form student Victoria, of Western Avenue, Old Felixstowe, was nominated by Felixstowe Mencap for her help with holiday play schemes and as a volunteer at the society's Saturday morning group for special needs children.

She has also helped with Mencap Christmas parties, babysits for a friend who has a child with disabilities, and has worked to publicise the Out and About scheme for people to work with disabled people on a one-to-one basis.

A former brownie and guide, she works part-time at the Foxgrove residential home for the elderly as part of a team of carers, and hopes to start a degree in nursing in the autumn.

Amber, a young leader with the 7th Felixstowe Brownies and Guides, is also a helper with the Mencap Saturday club and also the Felixstowe Stroke Club.

Guide leader Linda Reynolds said: "Amber is a valuable member of the guiding team. She is always willing and able and never misses a session."

Mencap play leader Linda Owens added: "As a teenage helper Amber adds a certain coolness, vitality and understanding of our children that is refreshing and a treasure. She shows empathy and will watch, learn and help caringly where needed, and shows great maturity."

In addition to the trophy, councillors agreed to also award certificates of commendation to the young leaders of the Walton Division of Girl Guiding and the Felixstowe Sea Cadet Corps.

Mayor Malcolm Minns paid tribute to Amber and Victoria for their marvellous service to the community and their hard work and hoped their example would encourage others to give of their free time to help those in need.

All the youngsters who were nominated deserved praise and showed that many young people were out and about doing good things in Felixstowe.