YOUNG people between the ages of 15 and 19 are being recognised for their good work in Wiltshire communities through a national youth award scheme.

Lions clubs in west Wiltshire have joined colleagues throughout Britain in the search for young people who are actively involved in community service work.

The aim of the Lions Youth Award is to encourage and support young people who are already helping their communities and there is the chance to win money for their projects.

John Greenaway, of Trowbridge Lions Club, said: "With all the criticism of young people these days it is right to look for those whose aim is to do positive good in their community.

"The aim of the Lions Clubs is to encourage, recognise and reward those young people who do this."

Last year, Warminster Lions Club sponsored Ashleigh Price, then 15, for the award because of her work with 1st Warminster Brownies. She was awarded £100 towards the project.

Westbury Lions Club put forward Andrew Taylor for his work with Warminster Community Radio.

The two candidates went on to the regional finals on November 30.

Mr Greenaway said: "The sort of service we are looking for is very wide: from helping improve the environment, to helping younger or older people or clubs in any way. In fact any way that young people are aiming to improve and support the area and community in which we live."

The Lions clubs will hold interview sessions a friendly conversation with the entrants for the next round of awards in October and one person will be chosen to represent each club.

Warminster Lions' youth officer, Alan Chapman, said: "What we're looking for is a demonstrable commitment to helping others: providing assistance to the elderly or infirm or extra-curricular activities for school children, for example.

"But we don't want to be too prescriptive because one of the objectives is to publicise just how wide a range of activities young people are involved in for the benefit of the whole community."

The winner of each club's search will go on to the regional round of the awards with the possibility of going through to the district and overall finals early next year.

Prizes will include the chance to win bursaries of up to £1,500 in the national competition, which the winner will be able to put towards a community project with which they are involved.

For more information contact John Greenaway, of Trowbridge Lions, on (01225) 753489 or for Warminster applications call Alan Chapman on (01985) 216203.