A charity which was created in Bolton has marked its 10th anniversary with a special event to celebrate the youth of Greater Manchester.

Youth Leads UK celebrated 10 years of social action in the region, commending the efforts of young people making a difference in their communities.

The event took place at Manchester's Hyatt Regency Hotel and brought young people together with royal representatives, civic mayors, including Bolton Mayor Cllr Akhtar Zaman, and key decision makers.

Youth Leads UK was established in 2011 by a group of friends in their final year at Ladybridge High School in Bolton.

The Bolton News: Young adults had the chance to speak to key decision makers, mayors from across Greater Manchester and royal representatives - Picture credit to Sophia Carey Young adults had the chance to speak to key decision makers, mayors from across Greater Manchester and royal representatives - Picture credit to Sophia Carey (Image: Sophia Carey)

And so far, they have supported over 12,500 young people across Greater Manchester to develop their skills, lead their own volunteering projects and influence change with decision makers.

The event was led by young people on Youth Leads UK’s current programmes who spoke about their experiences and how they’ve developed skills for life.

Young people also spoke about the importance of decision-makers engaging with them and their peers.

High profile guests attending the event included Deputy Lieutenant Melanie Bryan OBE DL, the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Lorraine Worsley-Carter MBE DL, the Lord Mayor of Manchester, the Mayor of Bolton, the Mayor of Trafford, the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Wigan, Yasmin Qureshi MP and Greater Manchester Police Superintendent Richard McNamara.

Key announcements about the future of Youth Leads UK were made, including a new programme to be launched next year focusing on increasing the number of young people becoming school governors, charity trustees and magistrates.

The Bolton News: Saeed Atcha MBE DL speaking at the Youth Leads UK 10th year celebration - Picture credit to Sophia CareySaeed Atcha MBE DL speaking at the Youth Leads UK 10th year celebration - Picture credit to Sophia Carey (Image: Sophia Carey)

Saeed Atcha MBE DL, founder and CEO of Youth Leads UK, said: “Young people care about the world around them, and we’re proud to have provided a platform for them to make a difference.

"When I set up Youth Leads as a 15-year-old, I had no idea just how far we’d come.

"The future is in safe hands with the amazing young people we work with every day. Here’s to the next 10 years!”

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “I want every young person in Greater Manchester to know that they have a stake in society.

"What Youth Leads has done over the last 10 years is truly amazing.

"They’ve helped to create ‘Our Pass’ supporting school leavers and care leavers' access free bus travel and challenged decision-makers like me.

"I’m excited to see what the future holds."

Representing Her Majesty the Queen’s Lord-Lieutenant, Deputy Lieutenant Melanie Bryan OBE DL, said: “You have inspired us with your passion for service, and we take away a clear call to action to find more opportunities for young people to have their voices heard and make a difference.

"We passionately believe in the ability of young people to change our world for the better.”

A total of 40 young people aged 14 to 24 from across all boroughs of Greater Manchester met civic dignitaries and ‘graduated’ from Youth Leads UK’s programmes at the event - the first since the pandemic began.