THE Messenger's annual bid to reward the best of the area's local youth is launched this month. The sixth annual Trafford Young Person of the Year Award gives Trafford's teenagers recognition for their achievements.

Its aim is to celebrate the hundreds of youngsters who go about their daily lives working diligently, facing new challenges and caring for others.

The press often have to report on incidents where young people have behaved anti-socially or been in trouble with the police - a case of a few people managing to ruin image of a whole group.

This award was set up with the hope of redressing the balance a little and showing just how much good work is done by the our local young people.

A total of £2,250 prize money will be awarded to the borough's six finalists and a special award ceremony for them and their nominators will be held at South Trafford College's prestigious De Quincey Restaurant on Thursday, July 1st1999.

The judges will be looking for all-rounders aged 15-18 with academic, sporting or vocational, skills, the ability to communicate, interest in the community, confidence and assurance and a positive approach.

Forms have gone out to potential nominators such as schools, colleges and major employers. If your organisation has not received one and would like to take part, write to Roger Devlin, Young Person of the Year Award, Sale and Altrincham Messenger, Brindley House, 25 Ashton Lane, Sale, M33 6TP.

Each entry will be reviewed by a panel of judges from the sponsor companies and the Borough's Director of Education.The awards are sponsored by Damar Training Solutions, Quicks Motor Group, South Trafford College, Trafford council, Manchester TEC and the Messenger.

For more information contact Roger Devlin, Messenger Newspapers Marketing Manager on 01925 644008.

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