A TEAM of unemployed volunteers who created a motorcycle track for York youngsters has received a major award.

York and North Yorkshire Guidance Services' Volunteers Team 11 was presented with the Prince's Trust Volunteer Award in recognition of an "outstanding" community project.

The motorbike track was created at Clifton Moor Gate for local youngsters.

The team, which will now be entered for the national awards in December, was approached by York's Youth Services, who offered them the chance to become involved with The Sleeper Path Project.

They managed to sculpt 3,000 tonnes of earth, creating a sound barrier and two large jumps, raised more than £28,500 for materials, services and people-hours in kind and received the support of 12 local companies and their equipment.

The Prince's Trust Volunteer Awards recognise the outstanding achievements made by people involved with its volunteers programme.

The scheme offers 16 to 25-year-olds, the majority of whom are unemployed, a 12-week programme enabling them to develop their confidence, motivation and skills through teamwork in the community.

Jayne Rawlins, managing director of Guidance Services, said: "We're very proud of the achievements of our team of volunteers. We're delighted that York Team 11 has won this award, and look forward to the national awards ceremony in December."

Angelika Kitching, general manager for The Prince's Trust North Yorkshire, added: "York Team 11 has shown outstanding commitment and determination to ensure that this challenge has been a massive success. They worked hard to secure funding and resources for the project which has already been of great benefit to the local community."

More than 60,000 people have taken part since the programme was launched in 1990. Over 70 per cent of unemployed participants find work or enter full time education or training after completing the programme.

For further Information on The Volunteers Programme freephone 0800 842 842 or visit www.princes-trust.org.uk.

matthew.woodcock@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 09:37 Wednesday, November 13, 2002