Only Two Weeks Left To Hail A Young Good Citizen

There are only two weeks left for public-spirited youngsters to be nominated for West Mercia Police's 2010 Young Good Citizen Award. The closing date for nominations, 31 July, is just around the corner.

Teachers, group leaders and members of the public are being asked to put forward young people who have made outstanding contributions to their local communities over the last 12 months. Forms have been sent to schools and youth groups across the force area.

Meanwhile, each of the force's 145 local policing teams will nominate a young person from their area to be hailed as a Young Good Citizen and to be considered for selection for the final awards evening in October. 

If you know such a young person, why not nominate them for this year's award? We are particularly keen to hear about young people who have overcome challenges in their own lives and have still been able to make a difference to others in their community.

All those nominated will receive a Young Good Citizen Certificate from their local policing team and 10 of the nominees will be chosen to go forward to a special awards ceremony at Force Headquarters, Hindlip Hall near Worcester, in October. 

At a gala evening hosted by Chief Constable Paul West, and in partnership with the High Sheriffs of Shropshire and Herefordshire and Worcestershire, one young person will be presented with the award for Young Good Citizen of the Year 2010, which comes with a bursary of £400 to support education, training or their efforts towards gaining employment.

In addition, they will be able to nominate a charity to receive a gift of a further £100. The other short-listed nominees will each receive a specially commissioned certificate from the Chief Constable and the High Sheriffs, personally signed by them.

Anyone interested in nominating a young person can download an entry form from our website www.westmercia.police.uk/goodcitizen/ or contact their local policing team who will have forms available. Once completed, return to the address detailed on the form no later than Saturday, 31 July.

Sergeant Ronan Flynn, who is organising this year's awards scheme, says: "The perception of young people today can sometimes be negative. The annual Young Good Citizen Awards highlight the exceptional contribution many young people make to local communities across West Mercia. The awards show how generous, brave and community minded many of our young people are.

"We would encourage anyone who knows a young person whose achievements should be recognised to take out the small amount of time needed to visit our website and nominate them. There are only two weeks left to do so."

Issued: Thursday 15 July 2010