POLICE are on the lookout for Bury's outstanding youngsters.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has launched its 12th annual Young Citizen of the Year Awards with the winners in each policing division going forward to a grand final later this year.

Granada's Eamonn O'Neal and the current Young Citizen, Sarah Carter (17) from Tameside, are backing GMP's campaign to seek new nominations for the prestigious award, which seeks to recognise young people who selflessly give up their own time and effort to help others.

The annual award, sponsored by Barclays, acknowledges the work carried out by young people throughout the region and aims to reward them for their dedication and commitment to members of their community.

GMP's Chief Constable, David Wilmot, launched the Young Citizen of the Year Awards for the last time before he retires.

He said: "We are very impressed with the way in which young people across Greater Manchester have recognised a need within the community and have volunteered their time, energy and enthusiasm to meet those needs.

"These awards recognise the good work being carried out by young people in our area and rewards them for their dedication and commitment to members of their community.

"I think it is important to give credit to these youngsters as they are excellent role models and will hopefully inspire others to follow in their footsteps."

Eamonn O'Neal said: "I am a great believer in showing recognition to youngsters who give up their spare time to help make their communities better places to live.

"I am always amazed at the bravery, courage and determination of all the individuals involved in GMP's Young Citizen of the Year and would like to congratulate any young person who selflessly puts the needs of others before their own. I would like to encourage the people of Manchester to nominate youngsters for this award so that they can follow in the footsteps of the thousands of young people nominated over the past 12 years."

This year's title winner will receive a first prize of £1,000 to be donated to a charity or community initiative of their choice, a holiday to the value of £1,000 plus £1,000 spending money, and a VIP day out at Manchester United football club.

All eleven finalists will receive a cheque for £100 to donate to a charity or community initiative of their choice and a voucher for a meal for two at the Thistle Hotel in Manchester.

To qualify for the Young Citizen of the Year awards, young people must be aged 10-18 on July 1, 2002. Anyone can nominate a person or small group (up to three people), including friends, parents, brothers, sisters, teachers, and youth club leaders, regardless of their age. The closing date for nominations is July 1.

Nominations can be made using entry forms available from all police stations, secondary schools and Barclays branches in Greater Manchester or by calling GMP's Youth Matters hotline on 0161 856 8888.