STROUD District Council has shown that the 'kids are alright' after its junior warden project was shortlisted for an award.

The project delivers interactive and educational topics such as team building, first aid, cooking on a budget, healthy lifestyles, the role of the police and neighbourhood wardens, animal welfare and anti-social behaviour.

Its aim is to encourage junior wardens to become a positive influence and role model within their community.

Charlotte Galling, a community development officer at SDC and leader of the junior wardens project, has just completed the scheme with a group of 13 youngsters in Nailsworth.

"Our aim is to teach them life lessons that they won't necessarily learn in school but will come in useful in day-to-day life.

"For example the Nailsworth junior wardens will now know what to do if someone grazes their knee in the playground, or if the come across fly tipping, or what they should do if approached by a stranger."

The project was recently shortlisted for the category of excellence in youth involvement at the TPAS, tenant empowerment organisation, awards.

"Although we didn't win it was really nice to have some recognition for the junior warden scheme and the work we have done in the local communities," added Charlotte.