Award celebrates our young people who are putting city on the map

Wolverhampton's Rotary clubs have teamed up to launch their annual search to find young people who are doing their bit to put the city on the national map.

The prestigious award, which is now in its second year, recognises inspiring young people who have gone that extra mile in helping others and their community.

The city's five Rotary clubs are now looking for suitable nominees to be put forward for the award.

To qualify, nominees must be under the age of 19 on August 31, 2015, and live, work or study in Wolverhampton.

The winner will receive a trophy and a cheque for £100. The second and third placed entrants will receive £75 and £50 respectively.

Successful nominees will be judged by a panel featuring Sir Geoff Hampton, of the University of Wolverhampton, the Mayor of Wolverhampton and representatives from sponsors Waitrose and the Express & Star.

Roger Timbrell, chairman of the organising committee, said: "Last year the standard of entries was very high and we are hoping for more of the same this year. Plenty of young people from across the city do so many good things. Often they are not celebrated. We are looking for members of the public to nominate people they think should be recognised."

Councillor Ian Brookfield, who will become the city's mayor in May, said he was pleased to be involved in an award which celebrates the positive role of young people and volunteering in the community. Other members of the organising committee include Robin Morrison, acting president of the Rotary Club of Tettenhall, and David Johns of the Rotary Club of Wednesfield.

The award is dedicated to Tom Warren, a former president of the Rotary Club of Wolverhampton and director of education for 25 years. Mr Warren was the second Briton to lead Rotary International throughout the world and in doing so became involved in the groundwork which led to the formation of the United Nations.

Last year the award was won by Chelsey Cartwright, of Parkfields, who – despite suffering from a degenerative eye disease – raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Chelsey has been nominated for Rotary's national young citizen award which is due to be broadcast live on the BBC in April.

To find full details about the Wolverhampton award, plus entry forms, visit wolverhamptonyoungcitizen.co.uk

Nomination forms are also available from the Civic Centre and Waitrose on Penn Road. The deadline for entries is May 31.