SOUTHEND YMCA’s first youth awards event will be hosted by Leigh comedian Phil Cornwell The awards will celebrate the achievements of young people who have succeeded against a challenging background.

Cornwell, the host for the glittering event, supported by Southend Round Table, is a regular on Radio 4 comedy shows and has been on TV in Skins, the Comic Strip Presents and Stella Street.

He can currently be seen on the big screen in the Alan Partridge film Alpha Papa alongside Steve Coogan.

He said: “I support Southend YMCA simply because every young person, no matter their background, deservesafuture.”

The event will be held on November 23 at Westcliff High School For Boys.

Syrie Cox chief executive of Southend YMCA said: “We want to publicly recognise the successes of our young people who have, in so many cases, overcome considerable personal challenges to achieve and thrive.”

There are a number of award categories, including Young Person of Courage and Inspiration, Young Entrepreneur and Overcoming Adversity.

Damon Lanlois, from Southend Round Table, said: “We support the work of Southend YMCA as this is a local children’s charity providing life changing, aspiration raising, confidence building opportunities to the most vulnerable children andyoungpeople in our town.”

Organiser Jane Dolby said: “The event is so near Christmas we are hoping people may consider attending as part of their office festive celebrations knowing that the £29 they pay for their ticket will be spent on continuing our work with the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people in our town.”

Tickets for the black tie event are available from www.southend ymca.org.uk/events or e-mail janedolby@southendymca.org.uk or call 01702 301301.