THE Winner of the seventh High Sheriff of Lancashire Young Citizen of the Year Awards sponsored by National Grid have been announced.

More than 70 youngsters were nominated for this year’s competition which promotes the good work that is being undertaken by youngsters across the county. Entries came from all areas of Lancashire.

The High Sheriff for 2006-2007, Mr Peter Robinson DL, said the event was the pinnacle of his year.“This is a wonderful occasion which promotes the good work that youngsters do in our county every day. There are a band of tireless volunteers who are all helping to make our communities a better place to live.

“Everyone who has entered the event is a winner and everyone who has taken part should be rightfully proud of their efforts.’’

WINNER - Chris Fletcher, 18, from Morecambe

FOR the second year in succession a teenager from Morecambe has been crowned as the county’s top young citizen. Chris Fletcher was crowned the High Sheriff of Lancashire’s Young Citizen of the Year, following in the footsteps of last year’s winner Morecambe High School pupil, Laura Seymour.

Chris, of Schola Green Lane, was nominated for the award by Peter Taylor from the Galloways Society for the Blind. Mr Taylor was full of praise for Chris’s tireless work for the charity over the past three years.

Said Mr Taylor: “Chris came into contact with the society following a relative being diagnosed as having sight loss. Since then he has been a constant supporter of the charity’s work, taking over the maintenance of the sensory garden at the Morecambe centre. He also raised funds, distributed leaflets and helped with sales and fairs and the running of the Galloways talking newspaper.

“It is no exaggeration to say that he has transformed the run down gardens into a green oasis which have not only benefited blind people but brightened up a little corner of the West End for all residents. He added: “Chris is a firm favourite with everyone who attends the centre and deserves great recognition for the work he does. He is very modest and has never sought reward or praise and is a fine young citizen."

Chris said he was shocked to win the award.“I can’t believe I have won it, I’m very grateful to Peter Taylor for nominating me. It’s nice to know your efforts are appreciated."

GROUP WINNERS - Jamie Cooke and Andrew Drummond from Carnforth

Carnforth High School pupil Jamie Cooke, 15, and Andrew Drummond, 14, from Carnforth High, have been singled out as the group winners in the Lancashire Young Citizen of the Year Award.

Both boys are members of the 2246 Carnforth Squadron of the Royal Air Corps and were nominated for the award by Carnforth Community Beat Manager PC Kath Bromilow.In her application PC Bromilow wrote: “These two youngsters came to our attention while working with myself and PC John Bassinder as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

“They both worked tirelessly with crime prevention activities that we organised and other community projects which involved raising money for worthy causes and cleaning up the local area.

“John and I have never met two more willing assistants and their enthusiasm is contagious. They are true gems within their community and are excellent role models for young people."

RUNNER UP - Claire Howell, 16, from Garstang

Claire Howell of Brooklands Drive, was chosen as the runner-up in the county’s Young Citizen of the Year award after being nominated by Geoffrey Markland.

The 16-year-old Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School student was nominated for her work with Garstang High School’s International Project since its inception in 2003.

The project aims to bring together people from the older generation to integrate with those still at school in a positive learning environment. Claire was involved in the development of the project and has since been heavily involved helping older people gain new skills in IT, crafts, dancing and gentle keep fit workouts.

Claire is also actively involved in the youth group at St Thomas’s Church and recently completed the Duke of Edinburgh Award which included service in the community.

Pictures show from left to right Acting Assistant Chief Constable Wendy Walker, High Sheriff of Lancashire Peter Robinson DL, Award Winner and Eddy Morris from Sponsors National Grid.

Winners of the 2005 competition.