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Celebrating the success of young people
I have recently had the privilege of attending a number of events in west Leeds celebrating the success of our young people.
For Children in Need I was at Asda in Pudsey, with none other than Pudsey Bear and the BARCA team, led by play work manager Helen Hart. More than three hundred youngsters went on the ice, and shoppers donated hundreds of pounds to this fantastic charity.

Rachel at the ice rink in
Pudsey for Children In Need
I also attended the Youth Improvement Awards event at the Royal Armouries with BARCA-Leeds. The evening celebrated the achievements of young people who often struggle with mainstream education. Around fifty young people from West Leeds attended, and BARCA picked up a number of awards.
2008 has been a great year for West Leeds High School with it's best ever GCSE and A level results. At a prize-giving ceremony I had the opportunity to hand out certificates and celebrate that success with students.