A NEW award has been launched to recognise the work of young people.

Westhoughton Town Council is backing the new Young Citizen of The Year award.

Cllr Christopher Peacock, who tabled a motion to launch the scheme, said he hoped it will encourage young people who move away to study or work to return to Westhoughton later in life to settle down.

The new award is open to anyone aged under 30. It will run alongside Westhoughton’s existing annual Civic Medal, which recognises the efforts of community stalwarts who have served Westhoughton for 20 years or more.

Cllr Peacock, for Westhoughton North and Chew Moor, said: “We have a fantastic community spirit here in Westhoughton. I personally do not think there is another town quite like it.

“We as a town council should do as much as we can to recognise the work that young people do. I want these people to stay in Westhoughton, to continue doing that work “A lot of young people now go further afield to work or university and it is very easy for them to lose touch with where they are from.”

The rules for nomination for Young Citizen of The Year are the same as for the Civic Award.

A cash prize will handed out, with Cllr Peacock suggesting around £50.

Winners will also receive a certificate to mark the achievement, in place of a medal, as it would be an ideal item to include in a portfolio or on a CV before job interviews.

Cllr Ryan Battersby, who became the town’s youngest mayor when he filled the role in 2012-13, said: “I would be proud to second this proposal as the youngest mayor of this town council.

“Many young people in our town do wonderful things and I am lucky enough to know quite a few of them.

“Their work is often unsung and goes without recompense.

“This award will encourage more young people to get involved in our town.”