IN this month’s column I would firstly like to remind you of the force’s 101 telephone number.

You should use this number to report any non-emergency incidents. The call goes direct to the police call centre and will cost just 15p.

If you see any suspicious activity or a crime taking place then please report it to the police straight away.

You may not be aware, but in an effort to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of young people in our area West Mercia Police run a Young Good Citizen Award.

Previous young good citizen achievements have included outstanding fund-raising activities and exemplary unselfishness in their attitude towards others.

If you know such a young person, aged 18 and under, why not nominate them for this year's award?

We are particularly keen to hear about young people who have overcome challenges in their own lives and have still been able to make a difference to others in their community.

Each nominee will be awarded a certificate recognising their achievements and they may also be nominated for the overall Young Good Citizen of the Year Award, which will be presented at an awards evening at Force Headquarters, Hindlip Hall, near Worcester, in October.

Chief Constable David Shaw, who has personally championed the awards, says: “These awards are given in recognition of young people making the difference in their communities.

“Too often our society focuses on the negative issues associated with young people, such as under-age drinking and anti-social behaviour, but the reality is that the positive contributions made by numerous young people far outweigh the problems caused by the few.”

If you know someone you would like to nominate then let an officer from your Local Policing Team know by Friday, July 12.

If you prefer you can visit westmercia.police.uk and download, print out and fill in the form, explaining how you think this young person has demonstrated their help for others.

Remember you will need their parents’ permission.

INSPECTOR PAUL CROWLEY, KIDDERMINSTER POLICE