Preston’s ‘Mini Muslimah Crew’ picked-up the BAE Systems Youth Leadership prize at this year’s Fusion Awards.

The group of volunteers plan fun and exciting activities for the young Muslim girls of Preston. It is led by young people themselves and was launched in 2012 with a budget of only £50.

In 2015, the Mini Muslimah Crew opened its doors to a brand new venture with sessions for the boys too.

A statement from the group said, “Firstly, a huge thanks to all Mini Muslimah's, Mini Mu'mins, their parents and all our well wishers. Your love and support at the start and end of each session and heart filled text messages really help us continue what we do.

“Also, a huge thanks to the management at Quwwat Education Centre and our awesome Mini Team volunteers.

“The Mini Muslimah Crew @ Quwwat are truly honoured for recieving the Youth Leadership Award. Fusion 2015 was a dream come true, especially amongst such amazing finalists with incredible talent. Well done to you all.”

Ian Wood, Operations Director for BAE Systems' site at Samlesbury, said: "We recognise the valuable role young people play in our communities and groups like the Mini Muslimah Crew, which won our Youth Leadership Award at the Fusion Awards, are a perfect example of this.

"BAE Systems recruits many young people through our apprentice and graduate programmes every year and will take on more than 100 in Lancashire alone this September.

"We are delighted to once again support the Fusion Awards and celebrate the inspired work of people who do so much to improve the lives of so many."