YOUNG people who have made outstanding contributions to their communities in Wyre Forest could be in line for recognition.

West Mercia Constabulary is keen to hear about public-spirited youngsters as it begins the search for the Good Citizens of 2008.

Teachers, group leaders and members of the public are being asked to nominate candidates.

The Good Citizen Awards are presented to young people aged 18 or under, who have carried out acts of outstanding courage or generosity, or who have displayed immense community spirit over the past year.

Nomination forms have been sent to headteachers at primary and high schools and youth groups across the force area and can also be downloaded from the force website, www.westmercia.police.uk.

The closing date for nominations is May 25.

Sgt Tim Williams, of the local policing support team, who is running the award scheme, said: "We are always enormously impressed by the outstanding contribution that the young people nominated are making to their communities. Their achievements are an inspiration to us all."

He added: "The Good Citizen Awards have recognised some incredible acts of courage and generosity by young people in the force area since they were introduced in 1987.

"This is an opportunity for us to recognise and reward those young people whose actions have made a difference to the lives of others."

Small groups of no more than three young people can also be nominated for an award.

The awards are presented by West Mercia in partnership with Local Education Authorities in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.

Anyone selected by the judges will be invited to attend local award ceremonies in the summer to receive a Good Citizen certificate and lapel badge.

Ten nominees (two from each division) are then put forward for the force's Good Citizen of the Year award, which is presented at a gala award evening hosted by Chief Constable Paul West at force headquarters, Hindlip Hall, near Worcester, in October.

All those short-listed for the Good Citizen of the Year award will receive a prize and £50 in cash. The young person named as West Mercia's Good Citizen of the Year will receive a trophy and an extra £100 in cash to be shared equally with a charity of their choice.