Three East Ayrshire youngsters shone at a recent star-studded awards event, where Strictly Come Dancing star Alesha Dixon saluted the Young Scots of 2011 and hailed the ceremony as the most inspirational she's ever attended.

Five hundred guests at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow also enjoyed performances from stars such as X-Factor favourites Olly Murs, Shayne Ward and girl band Wonderland.

And super siblings Shaun and Liam McCluskey from Drongan were delighted when they took to the stage as winners of the Volunteering award. Shaun said: "The night itself has been such a great reward for us. We have met some great friends".

Shaun, 15 and Liam, 14, have been involved in the Southern Youth Forum for the past two years. Both boys, who are Auchinleck Academy pupils, were involved in the Young Quality Scot Awards and Shaun is a member of the Children and Young People's Representative forum.

They are currently planning a youth festival for 300 young people across East Ayrshire in August 2011. The talented two are also Scout leaders and tutors of a guitar group. They run workshops on DJ-ing, film and editing, and Shaun works in the children's ward of Crosshouse Hospital.

The brothers were nominated by East Ayrshire Council community workers Lynn Catto and Milissa McCulloch, in recognition of the hard work they do in local communities.

Community worker Lynn Catto said: "Shaun and Liam are truly extraordinary and really do eliminate any negative stereotype of young people".

East Ayrshire had another young achiever in the finals of the Young Scot Award in 15-year old Alan Girvan from Kilmarnock, who was nominated for the Environment category. Alan is part of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers' environmental task force team and has improved school grounds, built greenhouses and created wildflower meadows and wetland habitats.

Councillor Hugh Ross, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, said: "Shaun, Liam and Alan show just what can be achieved by youngsters in the community - proving that our young people are assets that East Ayrshire can be proud of. All three have real drive, energy and determination and richly deserve this recognition".

A Young Scot spokesperson said: "The brightest stars by far at our glittering Young Scot Awards were our inspiring winners".

If you would like to become more involved in local activities provided by CLD, contact : Cumnock/Doon Valley Team Barhill Centre, Bank Avenue Cumnock, KA18 1PQ 01290 421066 Kilmarnock Team North West Area Centre Kilmarnock KA3 1NG 01563 578654 Kilmarnock, South, Central and Irvine Valley Team Gateway Centre Foregate Square Kilmarnock, KA1 1LN 01563 554935