Politicians watch out: young peo;ple can ask tricky questions, too.

The first Halton Access to Media (HAM) reACT Press Pack Awards were a resounding success, demonstrating that the way young people are portrayed is very often unfair.

Britain's youth have valuable insights into today's issues and interesting and thoughtful views on a variety of subjects. By providing them with the opportunity to express these thoughts, Halton Access to Media is empowering them to become confident, articulate and productive individuals.

HAM is a not-for-profit organisation based in Runcorn and covering the Borough of Halton. Our aim is to improve the community and the lives of people who live here. The reACT course provides media training for young people who are interested in building a career in the broadcasting industry and the Awards were a well-deserved acknowledgement of their hard work and enthusiasm.

Aimed at 12-18 year olds (up to 25 if the young person is homeless), HAM's reACT course provides hands-on experience of the technologies involved in, as well as discussion of the issues surrounding, radio broadcasting.

Funded by Comic Relief and Children in Need, students have the opportunity to create programmes in professional Studios, using the latest audio editing equipment, as well as their own DVDs and podcasts. It has been HAM's great pleasure to have helped many young people grow in confidence and employability as they learn more about this exciting area.

David Clare was one of the award winners. He sums up the general feelings of students when he says that the course has made him more confident. "I've also gained more experience of things going on in the local area," he adds. "I would definitely want to become involved with Halton FM's next broadcast. On a previous occasion, David interviewed Mike Hall, MP for Weavervale.

Mr Hall, who gave our students their Awards, says: "I'm delighted to have been asked to present the awards. Everything about reACT is absolutely spot on. Good news stories about young people very rarely make the headlines. But through Halton Access to Media and Halton FM we've got young people out in the community, learning new skills and developing their talents," he continues.

"You can see the improvement in their self-confidence and the way they are going to make a positive contribution in the years to come."

Councillor John Swain, the Mayor of Halton, was a Guest at the Awards. He also believes that the reACT course - and Halton FM - can help young people become more involved in their communities.

"By providing them with the opportunity to express their concerns about their community they can become part of the democratic process. All aspects of our lives are affected by politics.

"So many things are determined by Halton Borough Council and we need to see more young people challenge and bring to task politicians and institutions. The younger voice needs to be heard and reACT and Halton FM is the ideal vehicle for that. "

Indeed, for those interested in British society and politics, the media plays a crucial role in our democracy. reACT is a perfect opportunity for young people to learn more about this aspect of life in Britain today.

HAM also provides a variety of video services to local community groups as well as running Halton FM, the Borough's very own radio station.

After our successful Ofcom application for a full-time licence, we are now looking forward to being on air permanently, bringing the very best music, chat, news and information to local people.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on (01928) 835290. Alternatively, you can email us on  gaynorbevan@haltonaccesstomedia.co.uk