YOUNG people who have made an outstanding contribution to Gloucestershire life can now be nominated for the Chief Constable's Citizenship Awards. Gloucestershire Constabulary knows that young people in the county make a significant and positive contribution to local communities and the award exists to recognise these efforts and encourage their work into the future.

Nominations are invited from anyone involved in a project, which has had a positive impact on their area.

Teachers and youth workers in particular are asked to consider nominating groups they have worked with. The deadline for this year’s awards is February 18.

The groups involved can be any size, from just a handful of young people to an entire school or club, but the members involved should be under 16. The contribution can be a 'one-off' project, part of the school curriculum or a long running service to the community.

The awards, funded by the police Property Act, are divided into three categories: Gold Award: £500 prize, Silver Award: £250 prize, Bronze Award: £100 prize.

In addition, all nominated projects will receive a certificate of recognition from the Chief Constable. The winners of the 'Gold' award also get to hold the Chief Constable's Citizenship Shield for 12 months, and receive a replica shield which they keep.

Sgt. John Skilling of the Constabulary's Schools Unit said: "We sometimes read about the negative activities of teenagers, but it is important to remember that there are many, many work young people who work hard - often in their own time - to make their communities a better place. "These awards are an ideal opportunity to recognise and reward that work. I hope as many people as possible will consider nominating a scheme or project."

For more information please call the Schools Unit on 01452 752149 or e-mail Sgt. John Skilling at john.skilling@gloucestershire.police.uk You can visit the 'schools' section of the Gloucestershire Constabulary web site here: www.gloucestershire.police.uk