VALE residents are being urged to nominate courageous and generous youngsters for a Good Citizens Award.

Organisers want to hear about any young people under the age of 18 who have made an outstanding contribution to their community over the last year.

The closing date for entries to the award scheme, run by West Mercia Constabulary, is Friday, May 27.

Sergeant John Dickinson said: "If you know of a young person who, through an outstanding act of bravery, generosity or community spirit has made a difference to other people's lives, I would urge you to nominate them for this year's award.

"The Good Citizen Awards have recognised some incredible acts of courage and generosity by young people in the force area since they were introduced in 1987. This is an opportunity for us to reward those young people whose actions have made a difference to the lives of others."

Acts of good citizenship must have taken place between July 1, 2004, and May 27 this year. Small groups of no more than three young people can also be nominated for an award. Those selected by judges will be invited to attend a ceremony in the summer to receive a special certificate and lapel badge.

Ten of the nominees will then be put forward for the force's Good Citizen of the Year award, to be announced at a gala dinner in October. Entry forms can be downloaded from www.westmercia.police.uk, from schools or libraries or by calling Sgt Dickinson on 01905 331535.