Time is running out to nominate inspiring teenagers

The deadline to nominate inspirational teenagers for a prestigious award is fast approaching.

People have until Tuesday, January 31 to put forward any nominations they have for the 2012 Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards.

In partnership with organisations offering services to young people, including Leicestershire County and Leicester City Councils, and with the business community, the awards seek to identify and reward the very best examples of achievement by young people locally.

Young people aged 13 – 19 by March 29, 2012, are eligible for nomination.

Various categories are available to enter, including the Young Innovator of the Year, which was won last year by Jonathan Blissett from Rothley who created and manufactured his own wind turbine.

This year new categories have been introduced to commemorate the 30th Olympiad and The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

•Young Innovator of the Year: A young person who has inspired others with their creativity and innovation in engineering, technology, music or the arts

•Young Community Citizen of the Year:  Someone whose actions have helped generate pride in their community

•Young Volunteer in Sport Award: Someone who has given their time and energy to volunteer in local sport

•Young Sports Personality of the Year: A young person who has exceeded expectations in their individual achievement or team work

•Young Disabled Sports Personality of the Year: A young person with a learning and / or physical disability who has exceeded expectations in their individual achievement or team work

The Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Lady Gretton, said: We want to hear about the achievements of as many inspirational young people as possible and recognise and celebrate the wonderful work they do.

There are many good examples of what young people have achieved, sometimes despite great disadvantage and obstacles placed before them.  I would urge people to nominate people they know and who they think should be recognised by these awards.”

There will be a separate award for each category -  the winners will all receive a trophy and a prize to the value of £500.

From the winners of these categories one person will be announced as Lord-Lieutenant’s Young Person of the Year. This outstanding achievement will be marked by the presentation of a special trophy.

The closing date for nominations is January 31, 2012. *Nominees need to be aged 13-19 as of March 29th, 2012.

Nomination forms and more information can be found at: www.leics.gov.uk/llawards or  www.thejitty.com Alternatively call the Lieutenancy Office at County Hall on 0116 305 6060.