THERE are thousands of hard-working youngsters out there who make a real difference to the community.

It is easy to dwell on the problems associated with youths in East Lancashire.

But our seventh Pride of East Lancashire Award, sponsored by TDS Promethean, is designed to highlight the good work of the area's Outstanding Young Volunteers.

Generally if we think of volunteers we conjure up images of older people, who may be retired, with time on their hands to put something back into the community.

But this award is aimed only at volunteers who are 16 and under.

Coping with the pressures of growing up can often be hard enough by itself. So when young people give their time to help others at a difficult stage in life it can be all the more admirable.

If you know of a young person who has given their time to help others, write and let us know.

Nominees might be involved in a project geared towards improving the quality of life of people in their neighbourhood.

Or perhaps they have volunteered to help out an elderly neighbour with shopping or other errands. They might be involved in charity work or have done a lot of fundraising in their own time.

Jane Roberts of Blackburn with Darwen Volunteer Bureau said: "A positive volunteering experience can give young volunteers the opportunity to learn new skills, use their existing skills and expertise, develop new interests, meet people, become active in bringing about social change and the opportunity to get involved.

"Volunteers are extremely important to organisations as they bring new skills, new perspectives, enthusiasm and diversity."

As with all 11 awards the overall winner will be announced at a glittering Oscar-style awards ceremony in November. For this category the winner will receive £1,000 plus a holiday worth £2,000.

All nominations must be received before September 30.