A YOUTH organisation has won a national award - launched in memory of murdered headteacher Philip Lawrence - for its work in the community.

Youth Action, in St John's Court, Ainsworth Street, was one of nine groups to receive a Philip Lawrence Award and £1,000 at a London ceremony.

The group was rewarded for its Mutual Respect project, which raised awareness and built understanding of World War II among young people from a range of ethnic backgrounds.

Amar Abass, chief executive of Youth Action, said: "We are mainly from black and minority ethnic backgrounds and felt no attachment to the history discussed throughout school.

"We began working with local Asian veterans which helped us learn more, share views and made historical events and heritage more relevant.

"We celebrate and highlight the contribution of South Asian veterans in World War II, and bring together young people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds."

Youth Action members learned media skills, interviewed veterans and created a DVD to stimulate discussion in their workshops on identity, heritage and ethnic diversity.

Over 6,000 copies of the DVD have been distributed to schools and community groups across the UK. Twenty-four youngsters from Youth Action received the award from Sir Trevor McDonald OBE, Jacqui Smith MP, the Home Secretary and Frances Lawrence, wife of Philip Lawrence at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London.

They visited Downing Street to talk about their experience and met local MP and Justice Secretary, Jack Straw MP.

The Philip Lawrence Awards reward outstanding achieve-ments in good citizenship by young people aged 11 to 20.

The scheme recognises groups contribute to their community and the lives of others; and groups that promote respect and understanding of faiths, culture and international communities.

Hundreds of groups were nominated for the awards before nine winners were chosen.

Mr Abass said: "We are proud of this award. Credit is to the young people, volunteers and staff at Youth Action.

"This year we won the Queen's Award for work with a corresponding youth group in Northern Ireland, so 2007 has been a fantastic year."