WORCESTER residents are being encouraged to nominate young teenagers who have had a positive impact on their community for the first ever British Citizen Youth Awards (BCYA).

The aim is to recognise local unsung heroes aged under 16 who have had a positive impact on the community, helped a local charity or done something exceptional to support others.

The co-founder of BCYA Mike Faulkner said: “There is no age limit for selfless acts of kindness which is why we’re launching an award specially designed to honour under 16s.

“Selfless people are the key to making our society and communities the special places they are and this includes many unsung heroes who are often responsible for amazing things but don’t receive the praise they are due.

“We’d like to encourage people to help us give our amazing youngsters the credit they deserve. If you know a young person under the age of 16 who deserves to be recognised for their commitment to a good cause, then put them forward. We need the public’s help to find our young hidden heroes.”

The scheme, supported by Specsavers, aims to shine a light on some of the nation’s brightest stars of the future.

Alan Richards, store director at Specsavers Worcester, said: “We’re delighted to be getting behind this award and would encourage our customers to nominate a friend or relative who has selflessly done something for the benefit of others. Our young people do so much and they deserve to be celebrated.”

Dame Mary Perkins, co-founder of Specsavers, added: “The society we live in tomorrow will be shaped by the children of today, which is why championing amazing young role models is so important.

“The young people who become the recipients of the first British Citizen Youth Awards will, I am sure, inspire other youngsters to emulate their good work and embody the spirit of transparency, integrity, determination and achievement that define these awards.

“Whatever it is that they have done to make a significant impact on society, their community, a charity or other good cause, it will have been with a selflessness and commitment that deserves to be publically acknowledged. These unsung heroes are the rising stars of the future – let us shine a light on them and celebrate.”

Public nominations close on Friday September 16. Nominations must be validated by parents or carers and seconded by someone not related to the child. To apply, send an email to jacquif@britishcitizensawards.co.uk with BCYA in the subject line. There is no fee for making a nomination.

Applications will be reviewed by the BCYA committee and a list of this year’s recipients will be published in October ahead of a private ceremony where the selected nominees will be presented with BCYA titles and medals at the Palace of Westminster on October 18.