A WIRRAL organisation that helps young people focus on educational opportunities has won a prestigious First Ark 'Community Business of the Year' award.

HYPE - which stands for Helping Young People Everywhere - is a social enterprise that works with those aged seven to 24 focus on creating great social and educational opportunities for young people living in deprived areas.

The charity offers volunteer work placements, educational initiatives and community regeneration projects across Merseyside.

The awards ceremony took at The Venue in Huyton, formerly Huyton Suites.

The night was hosted by First Ark, who invest in social businesses and community organisations.

HYPE, who were shortlisted for the Community Business award along with KDCS Memory Lane and local charity shop T.A.N.G.O, were thrilled to be chosen as the winners of Community Business of the Year.'

They thanked award sponsors, Structec, and the event organisers at First Ark for a wonderful evening.

Managing director Matty Houghton said: "Receiving recognition for all the hard work HYPE put into the projects is incredibly important for our staff, volunteers and communities we work in.

"For some of the staff team at HYPE, this was their first experience of an awards evening, and the night couldn't have gone better!"

Other awards handed out on the night included Inspirational Person of the Year and Best Social Project.