MORE than 50 people came together last week to celebrate the personal achievements made by young people in a Thornbury youth club over the past year.

The Krunch South West summer party, which was held at Turnberrie’s Community Centre, saw the club members come together with their families to enjoy a fun-filled evening, with plenty of games, an inflatable assault course, and barbecue.

Presentations of certificates and other awards were also made to several people in the club, having worked hard towards qualifications and accreditation to show their progress, with some having struggled in the school environment in the past.

“I am really proud of these wonderful young people,” said Krunch project manager Penny Baker.

“We have had a really successful year, with the group taking big steps and accomplishing a lot.

“People are often quick to point out the negatives of youth in the town, but they rarely see the positives.

“But the work that goes on behind the scenes here is something they do not see.

“The party made for a really great evening, and this event was a wonderful way to celebrate those milestones.”

Having joined the club for a picture on the inflatables in her full mayoral robes, Cllr Helen Harrison said how delighted she was to present certificates at the party, but that she found it a little nerve-wracking to wait at the bottom of the slide for everyone to join her.

“The visit to Krunch was really good,” she said. “It was lovely to hand out the certificates to young people who have overcome a lot of obstacles and demonstrate some amazing personal development.

“It was also a great opportunity to thank Penny and the team at Krunch for the amazing things they do week-in-week-out for the young people at the club.

"They offer a very important service to our community and I am honoured to have been invited to join in with their celebrations.