Volunteering is a massive part of Ctrl.Alt.Shift. Our army of contributors out there in the big wide world work for us simply because they want to; they give up their time to work for an organisation that looks to help young people use their potential to address the issues that matter and for that we are eternally grateful.

“Volunteering isn’t something to be embarrassed about” said a very enthusiastic Lady Sovereign, just one of the many stars of music and television appearing tonight to present awards to young people who have made a difference. Me and the Ctrl.Alt.Shift Italian Stallion Luca Massaro were mixing with the big guns at the vInspired Awards at the IndigO2 at the O2 Arena.

Tonight’s proceedings were in a different league to most other red carpet events, the vInspired National Awards celebrated young people’s involvement in volunteering and looked to help them to continue their fine work. Awards on the night included the Eco award, the Unite award and the Inspire award all presented to young people from around the country who have made a difference in their community. “Its about empowering young people,” Miss Sovereign went on to say, her enthusiasm growing by the minute. “The government needs to get off their arse and help young people in their communities to help make them a better place.”

 

Other celeb’s making an appearance tonight included 'Dragon’s Den' star James Caan, 'Britain's Got Talent' winner George Sampson, chart toppers Tinchy Stryder and Gabriella Cilmi (swoon) and TV’s Inbetweeners stars Joe Thomas and Emily Head (who play the lovesick Simon and the object of his desires Carly). Ctrl.Alt.Shift ambassador Bashy was also in attendance, performing such hits as “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” and even taking some time to talk to his favourite development-based youth magazine: “Volunteering, man, it's important, you get me? It gives you that sense of satisfaction doing something for someone else, not being selfish all the time you know."

We managed to interview all of the stars involved tonight so look out for their interviews next week when we will be posting a new one each day.

The evening was a fantastic chance for young people to get recognized for their work. Picture The Pride of Britain awards without all the patronizing sentimentality and with some of the hottest stars of today dishing out the gongs then you get an idea of what went down. ‘v’, the National Young Volunteers Service, works very much in the same way as Ctrl.Alt.Shift; it encourages young people to use their talents to change peoples lives and address the issues that matter. For more details visit www.vinspired.com