The High Sheriff of Lancashire's Young Citizen 2010

TWO teenagers from Darwen and Preston have been named joint winners of the High Sheriff’s Young Citizen of the Year Award in recognition of their outstanding achievements.

Caitlin Jones, from Darwen, and Ryan Stubbs, from Preston, received their awards during a special ceremony at Lancashire Police’s headquarters.

The High Sheriff of Lancashire's Young Citizen of the Year Awards, sponsored by BAE Systems, take place every year and involve the current High Sheriff inviting applications to find a young person who has helped either their local neighbourhood, an individual, family member or local organisation.

14-year-old Caitlin Jones, who was born with sensory impairment and serious heart problems, was recognised for her dedication as a young carer for her widowed mother Tracy – despite needing her own regular medical treatments. Since Caitlin’s father Nigel passed away, shortly before her 12th birthday, she has raised an amazing £10,000 for charities including Cancer Research UK, Marie Curie and East Lancashire Hospice through sponsored fundraising activities.

Caitlin was nominated by Witton Park High School-based PC Vanessa Rushton. PC Rushton said: “Caitlin is an exceptional girl who always puts the needs of others before her own. Against all the odds she has grown into a beautiful young person who tirelessly channels her energy into helping others.”

Joint winner 14-year-old Ryan Stubbs from Preston was recognised for the help and support he has given a fellow pupil at Christ the King Catholic Maths and Computing College. Ryan’s classmate Amir Patel is blind and the pair, who have known each other since nursery, work closely so that Amir can join in activities with his fellow classmates and friends.

Teacher Damien Callagher, who nominated Ryan, said: “Amir is a shining example to us all in terms of overcoming adversity and always maintaining a positive outlook on life. However, without Ryan's care and friendship Amir would not be able to achieve many of the things that he has.

“For example Ryan, himself a keen and accomplished sportsman foregoes his opportunity to compete at interschool cross country events and school sports day so that he can run with his friend and guide him to the finish.”

The winners received £250 plus a specially commissioned trophy and certificate.

Runner up Morgan Rawcliffe, 12, from Clitheroe, received £100 and certificate. Morgan is an active member of Clitheroe Youth Forum and a prominent member of the World War II project Ribble Valley Rememberance. Morgan has also led on conservation and environmental projects and is helping put together a programme of activities for an organic farming project in the Ribble Valley.

BAE Systems were once again title sponsor for this year’s Awards, and are proud to be associated with the scheme. Ian Wood, Samlesbury Site Director at BAE Systems, said: “It’s refreshing to come to come across a scheme that recognises and celebrates young people’s achievements, and acknowledges the contribution they make to the communities where they live or work.

“Making a difference in the community is an easy thing to say, but it takes drive, determination and dedication to make it happen – and these are attributes that all of the finalists have displayed.”

The winner and runners-up were selected by the High Sheriff of Lancashire, Dennis Mendoros, and a panel of judges from LANPAC, who administer the Awards, Lancashire Constabulary, BAE Systems and former High Sheriff Rodney Swarbrick, who initiated this Award.