TWO students from Harpenden who have made major contributions to the town have been rewarded by the rotary club.

Harpenden Village rotary club president Phil Murray presented Robert Garrihy, of Sir John Lawes School, and Kieran Stanbridge of Roundwood Park School, with their Rotary Young Citizens awards.

Robert, who suffered badly from Ankylosing Spondylitis which causes inflammation of the joint and stiffness, was recognised for completing a half marathon to raise money for research into the disease. He was described by his school as "simply inspirational" for fighting through it and completing his GCSEs and A Levels.

Kieran, a youth town councillor and police cadet, has supported the rotary club at events such as Classics on the Common. His school put him forward for the award due to this contribution to their anti-bullying campaign. Kieran has been selected as a member of the National Anti-Bullying Board.

Mr Murray said: "Each year we seek out the young people in town who have made major contributions in the true spirit of rotary. It is exciting to see what they are achieving and we are delighted to be able to recognise their achievements."