A Westhoughton girl is among a group of teenagers thanked by Bolton police officers for helping others in the community.

They were invited to Bolton Central Police Station and presented with special certificates after being named runners-up in the town's heats of the GMP Citizen of the Year Awards.

Smithills teenager Sarah Rothwell will represent Bolton in the national finals in November, but Dale Peters, Ruth Madeley and Sam Mahoney also receive a pat on the back for their hard work in the community.

Westhoughton 14-year-old Ruth was born with Spina Bifida and has raised thousands of pounds for the 'Whizz Kidsz' charity as well as receiving the Princess of Diana Award for her hard work.

Dale, aged 14, from Little Lever, has dedicated his free time to educating youngsters about the dangers of water after losing his pal in a drowning accident last year.

Sam, who is from Blackrod, has taken on the responsibility of caring for the elderly people on his estate.