FIFTEEN teenagers who help to run their Wantage youth club will become TV stars this weekend.

The Sweatbox Union is one of five groups to win the Rotary International of Great Britain and Ireland’s Young Citizens’ Award, for making a positive difference to their community.

On Saturday they travel to Harrogate in North Yorkshire, for the awards ceremony which will be broadcast live on BBC News 24 from 11am.

They will be presented with their £500 prize, which the union will give to this year’s Rock in the Park festival in Wantage.

Union member Beth Costar, 18, from Wantage, said: “It is great that our hard work has been recognised, especially after the battle to save the Sweatbox – it was a real boost for the team.

“I joined the SU on the strength of Rock in the Park so it’s brilliant that we’re planning to make it happen again.“ The SU meets once a month to make decisions on running the youth club, which has 500 members between 11 and 18.

In the past eight years the team has raised more than £97,000 for youth projects.

Sean Barnard, 18, from Wantage, said: “Being on the SU means everything to me.

“I've been a volunteer for four years and have helped at loads of Sweatbox events.

“I’ve learned so much during that time and the experience has given me the confidence to get a full time job.”

The Sweatbox faced permanent closure in 2011 when Oxfordshire County Council decided to stop funding some of the county’s youth centres to save £4.2m over four years.

King Alfred’s Academy now pays to keep the club open.

Head teacher Simon Spiers said: “This is tremendous news. It’s great that these young people who have shown such leadership and commitment will receive recognition for all they have achieved.”

The SU was nominated for the prestigious award by the Wantage Rotarians, who will also pay for the group’s travel to Harrogate.

Youth opportunities coordinator John Garvey said: “We went to three SU meetings and we were overwhelmed by the fact that these 15 teenagers were running the committee and leading discussions.”

Youth worker Gary Kingett set up the SU eight years ago.

He said: “This award is a fitting tribute.”