Musical teenagers scoop national award

TALENTED teenagers who wrote and recorded a song to raise awareness of homelessness have netted a national award.

The 17 youngsters — known as team Welly Wagners — won the National Citizen Service Social Action Star for their Teary Skies song.

The tune, which is available on iTunes, has raised more than £2,000 for young runaways charity SAFE@LAST.

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The group was surprised with the prize during a visit to Twitter’s London HQ by chart-topping singer Jess Glynne.

She said: “I was honoured to surprise and present the Welly Wagners with their award. 

“Their amazing social action project raised awareness of homelessness among young people so they truly deserve the recognition.

“NCS is a great opportunity for young people to put their skills into action and make a positive change in their communities, all while having an unforgettable time on the programme.”

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The group’s NCS scheme was run by Rotherham United Community Sports Trust and project manager Carole Foster said: “It’s been inspirational to watch team Welly Wagners work on their social action project.

“They have been so supportive of each other and we’re proud to have been part of their journey, watching their confidence grow on an almost daily basis. The results of their hard work is phenomenal with the song raising over £2,000 for SAFE@LAST as well as reaching number 24 in the iTunes chart.

“Since taking part in NCS, they have acted as role models in Rotherham, inspiring other young people to take part in the programme.”

Sam Jewell, from the Welly Wagners, said: “I’ve met so many different people and it has really changed my life. For our social action project, we were inspired after we slept outside overnight to raise awareness on homelessness.

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“We got the chance to speak to some of the homeless people in Rotherham, and were inspired by their story. It’s been such an amazing journey and I can’t believe I got to meet Jess Glynne.”

Santander sponsors the award and Rotherham branch director Louise Whitworth said: “Our purpose is to help people and businesses to prosper.

“We are proud to be working with NCS and sponsoring the award is a great opportunity to recognise the young people who are driving a positive impact in their communities.”

SAFE@LAST education officer Katie Eastburn said: “NCS Team Welly Wagners have worked so hard and we can’t thank them enough.

“Teary Skies addresses issues that thousands of young people face on a daily basis. Sadly, these issues are the reason SAFE@LAST exists.”

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