A GROUP of schoolchildren from Accrington have received an international award for their performing arts project looking to inspire other young people.

The members of the ‘Beyond Label: In Young Men’s Shoes’ at The Hollins Technology College have been named as a winner of The Diana Award.

The award honours 700 young people who ‘embody the kindness, compassion and service’ of Diana, Princess of Wales.

The Beyond Labels group was made up of 11 boys aged between 11 and 16, who have been sharing their own experiences with a series of arts performances across East Lancashire.

Waqar Ahmed, project coordinator for the group, said each member has had to overcome issues such as bullying, racism, lack of confidence and low self esteem.

He said: “We have seen a new found confidence in the young people, who genuinely feel more comfortable in their own skin and now have the courage to express their thoughts and feelings.

“Each individual participant had to overcome many personal barriers and issues.

“By bringing to life such powerful content the collective demonstrated immense character of resilience, patience compassion and hard work.

“Their legacy and impact is evident by the amazing audience feedback.”

The highlight of their work was a six date tour around the the county visiting Blackburn, Burnley and Nelson, as well as having a hometown show in Accrington.

They performed poetry focused on the issues they have overcome, as well as showcasing a film and photography project.

Mr Ahmed said most of the boys had never performed before getting involved in the project.

The pupils involved were Declan Slack, Dylan Kennedy, Luke Harris, Nasser Mhlanga, Sufyan Raja, Owen Purcell, Atheer Samin, Sam Moore, Arran Traynor, Jakub Grabowski and Mahfuz Hussain.

Winners of the award, which marked the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death, were all nominated by the public.

Tessy Ojo, chief executive of The Diana Award, said: “We celebrate young people for their selfless contribution to society, their courage and bravery, sometimes in the face of adversity.

“During this 20th Anniversary year The Diana Award is actively seeking supporters to help us continue this youth legacy.”