A KINGSBRIDGE-based youth project has been highly commended in its running for a national award.

Spiritulized has been highly commended in the Inspiring Youth/Children's Initiative category at the Inspire Awards 2013, recognising the work of unsung Christian heroes in their communities.

Anji Chant runs Spiritulized, which works with young people aged between 11-25, within a variety of different projects in the local area.

Anji attended the awards ceremony last Thursday at the Palace of Westminster with her husband Phil and Spiritulized trustee and treasurer Dennis Holwill. Spiritulized was one of three organisations in the running for the award, narrowly missing out on first place.

Anji said: 'As finalists we certainly didn't feel that we were competing against each other, but rather, together as co-workers for the common good of the young people and communities we serve in different parts of the country. The very worthy winner of first place went to The Shine Project from Bournemouth, working with teenage girls to recognise, with confidence, that they have worth, strength and purpose.

'We were treated to a delightful reception with various dignitaries present, as well as the local BBC and ITV reporting the event.

'It was an excellent opportunity to network with other outstanding projects and to learn from what they are doing in their areas of the country.'

Spiritulized hosts various projects in the local area including; the Friday Night Project, which offers teens a safe environment in which to gather and to develop friendships; the Bus Project, which provides information and support around issues such as drug and alcohol misuse, bullying, education, housing and sexual health; and the 16-24 Work Club, which offers personalised help and advice to help young people get the jobs they really want.