BUSINESSES and organisations that have gone the extra mile to help youngsters succeed have been celebrated with prestigious prizes.

More than 140 representatives from Hampshire’s top businesses, schools and colleges attended the Education Business Partnership (EBP) South’s annual Amazing People Awards at The Solent Hotel and Spa in Whiteley.

The sparkling annual event aims to recognise organisations that have worked with EBP to provide opportunities for young people.

Among the winners were BAE Systems Maritime Services which were awarded for its provision of apprenticeships.

Biscoes Solicitors, which has offices in Wickham, Portchester and Gosport, and Wartsila in Havant both scooped awards for Outstanding Contributions to the EBP recognising their involvement with large numbers of students.

And Pete Clutterbuck Designer Blacksmiths of Southsea were recognised for its efforts in offering work experience placements while Mick Mellows of Christian charity Faith and Football based in Portsmouth and Farnborough and Park Community School in Leigh Park, Havant, won accolades for promoting enterprise.

Individual awards were also presented to Stephanie Bellchambers, director of Biscoe Solicitors based in their Portchester office, who was named Business Ambassador and Alison Slater from IBM who won the Sustainable Business Partnership prize for her support of the Activate mentoring programme.

Youngsters were also celebrated for their success during work experience placements including Mason Gillespie of Lord Wilson School in Sarisbury Green who won the Work Experience Student prize after his placement at Little Berries Nursery in Southampton.

Ella Smith of King Richard School in Paulsgrove was named Activate Student after her work with mentor Lisa Bowles of the Portsmouth Marriot and George Rogers from Havant Academy won the LEAP Student award after taking part in the Learn, Excel, Aspire Programme which aims to inspire students working with business mentors.

Chief executive of EBP South Cath Longhurst said: “We know that this work makes a difference. Young people who meet more than four employers whilst in education, earn, on average 18 per cent more than those who don’t.

“We couldn’t do this work without the incredible support and commitment from the business community. Last year we recorded more than 68,000 business volunteer hours through our work with schools and colleges. This is our opportunity to say thank you to all those businesses and individuals who contributed.”