Four youngsters from Mansfield who created a lasting tribute to a friend who died during the coronavirus pandemic have been honoured with an award.

Jake Fletcher, Maddie Fletcher, Kenan Chambers and Dionne Williams are among the winners of 2020’s Nottinghamshire Outstanding Achievement 4Uth Awards.

The awards are a Nottinghamshire County Council initiative to celebrate the achievements of young people across the county.

Jake, Maddie, Kenan and Dionne decided to make the lasting tribute to their friend after he took his own life during the pandemic. They also made the graffiti-style artwork, near to their youth centre, to remind other young people that they have a voice and that they are not alone.

The 2020 awards were delayed due to the pandemic, but were not cancelled, as the council felt it was important to acknowledge the achievements of young people in Nottinghamshire in a very difficult year.

Coun Kay Cutts, leader of the council, said: “I’m very proud of all of our winners.”

Other winners are Amy and Ella Meeks, of Arnold; Regan Cattell, of Hucknall; Serena and Phoenix Martin, of Beeston; David Curtis, of Bingham; James Kirkland, of Newark; and Kate Stacey, of Carlton in Lindrick.