Young people who have excelled in the Step Learning Programme have been honoured for their achievements.

The programme is aimed at 16 to 18-year-olds not in employment, education or training, and Wednesday's awards ceremony at The Garage in Norwich highlighted inspiring stories of young people who have used the programme as a stepping stone to a brighter future. The programme, run in Norwich and Great Yarmouth, offers teenagers the opportunity to build up their confidence and gain qualifications in English, maths, ICT and vocational subjects. At Wednesday's event Norfolk County Council chairman Brian Hannah presented the most outstanding learners with certificates of achievement.

Rebecca Lee, 19, from Norwich, won the construction prize.

She said: 'I'm just happy I have achieved everything and I've become an ambassador for the Step Learning Programme. It has made me achieve more and opened doors to different things.'

Shannon Dickinson, 17, from Attleborough, received the Tutors' Learner prize. Shannon suffered social anxiety but said starting the supporting teaching and learning programme in January gave her a huge boost.

'I am so grateful. They have helped me get my life back and helped rebuild my confidence,' she said, adding that she hopes to study GCSEs at City College Norwich and pursue a career as a dietician.

Bethany Walker, 17, from Tuckswood, won the employability award. She has been studying art and design, and the programme inspired her to pursue a career in animation. Jordan Blackwell, 17, from Norwich, received the Functional Skills - IT Prize. He has been studying performing arts and plans to carry on studying performing arts at City College.

In a more light-hearted award, Aaron Culling, 19, from North Earlham, was named Outstanding Table Footballer of the Step Learning programme. As well as perfecting his table football skills, he said the programme had given him a huge boost.

'You leave here with opportunities, to go into the future and start your career,' he said.

The programme is run by Norfolk County Council's Adult Education Service and Blue Cat Initiative.