YOUNGSTERS who have showed outstanding acts of courage, generosity and community spirit will have their achievements recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony.

The Good Citizen Awards, run by West Mercia Constabulary, recognise youngsters aged 18 and under who have made outstandind contributions to helping others.

The winners of the awards, which are presented in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, were invited to attend a ceremony at Worcester's County Hall, where they were presented with certificates and lapel badges by Worcester Police's chief inspector, Keith Williamson, along with Worcester's personal, social and health education adviser, Maria Kidd.

PC Robin White, who runs the scheme, said: "Children and teenagers often get a bad name, but the Good Citizen Awards highlight the exceptional contribution many young people make to their local communities.

"Good Citizen is a way of rewarding young people who have shown they are prepared to go the extra mile and have really made a difference to the lives of other people.

"Selecting these individuals is not an easy task. The quality of the nominations is always incredibly high, and every young person is a winner in his or her own way."

The 10 nominees will go forward to the force's Good Citizen Of The Year award, which will be presented at a gala award evening hosted by West Mercia's chief constable Paul West in October.

The person who is judged to have made the most significant contribution to their community will win the prestigious title of Good Citizen Of The Year.

They will get a trophy and £100, to be shared with the charity of their choice.