THE search is on to find outstanding young people.

The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Diane Hawkins JP DL, has launched the second annual Greater Manchester Young Citizen of the Year Award.

And she wants to celebrate young people who have shown kindness, thoughtfulness and bravery in their communities.

The Young Citizen of the Year Award was launched by last years High Sheriff, Eamonn O’Neal, to give a platform to young people showing immense courage and bravery throughout the pandemic.

Mrs Hawkins says she is excited to continue the awards and shine a light on young citizens’ actions.

Speaking of the awards, she said: “In these uncertain times, it is heartening to see so many young people taking their own initiative to make local communities safer and better places to live.

“It is extremely important that we recognise and celebrate their achievements.

“I am very much looking forward to seeing the nominations from young people living in Bolton, so many of them are doing such wonderful things.

“The award ceremony will take place in Bolton on February 21, and it would be fantastic if we had a local winner.

“Our exceptional young people of Greater Manchester have demonstrated their commitment to social action, community engagement and philanthropy across the entirety of Greater Manchester.

“The High Sheriff Awards for Young Citizen 2021 seek to celebrate these achievements and recognise the contributions that young people play in all our lives.”

If you know someone aged between 11 and 18 who you think has made a real difference in Greater Manchester, you can complete an application.

The application can be for any positive contribution to local life – fundraising, helping, or caring for people, or being very thoughtful, kind, or brave in some way.

Nominations will give the opportunity for each young person to be congratulated.

Application forms and more details are available online at http://bit.ly/GMHighSheriff

The closing deadline is 5.30pm on December 31, 2021.