YOUNG ACTIVE CITIZEN: Young people who have excelled in doing work helping out their fellow citizens and improving the services for residents around the district

AFTER a record number of entries, three outstanding nominees have be shortlisted for this year’s Young Active Citizen category at the Community Stars Awards.

The Young Active Citizen award recognises young people from the district who go out of their way to make a difference in their communities.

The winner of the award will be announced at the awards night at the Midland Hotel on Wednesday, December 6, and will receive the Bradford Medal.

Voting is open until Friday, November 27, and it is up to you the readers to decide who you think is most deserving of the honour.

Right click on the voting form below and select 'save image as...' to save a printable version to your computer.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

The three nominees for the award are Libby Carter, Josh Harley-Sellers, and the Springfield Junior Volunteers Programme.

Libby Carter has been shortlisted for her work to keep the community where she lives clean.

The ten-year-old, from Faxfleet, lives in Sir Henry Mitchell House off Manchester Road, where Bradford Council and Incommunities are working with residents to keep the building clean.

Marie Copley, who nominated Libby, said: “Libby decided that she could help too and hung carrier bags on railings outside the front of several houses on the street to act as litter bins.

“This has been successful and littering has drastically reduced.

“She has shown herself at such a young age to be determined and resourceful.

“She was fed up with all the rubbish lying about and wanted her street to be clean and safe so she, her family and friends could play out safely.”

Libby’s mother, Caroline Bastow, said: “She was quite excited to be nominated, this is something she is really keen on.

“She cleans the area, helps elderly people to go to the shops and helps with their gardening.

“Libby has behavioural problems and this has really helped to keep her focused and out of trouble.

“If she wins we’ll all be over the moon and so proud of her, we’re really proud that she is shortlisted, and she will be so pleased with herself.”

Josh Harley-Seller volunteers with a weekly group for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Each week, he helps 23 young people take part in a range of activities to help them make friends and be less isolated.

Josh, who has autism, attended the group when he was younger and has progressed to become a senior volunteer.

Anthony Casson, who nominated Josh, said: “Josh is a friendly person that works very hard.

“He loves to help out and cares that people have great experiences when they come to the group. Josh is kind, very loyal and committed to making life better for other people.

“The thing that separates Josh from other volunteers is that as others have come and gone - Josh has volunteered every Thursday, every year for six years.”

Josh, 22, said: “It would mean a lot to win and be recognised for the work I’m doing.

“Hopefully it will inspire others to do the same. At the group we do things like cooking, sports, and arts and crafts which they don’t get the chance to do at home, and the smiles on their faces are amazing.

“Coming through the group when I was younger, I have an understanding of what they’re suffering from and what their different needs are.”

The final nominee is the Springfield Junior Volunteers Programme.

The group of 11 young people organises clubs for children aged five to 11 twice a week, to help the children, play and take part in sports and activities.

They have also raised money to fund new play equipment and are involved in a youth forum to design and develop youth and sports facilities in the BD2 and BD10 areas.

“They show endless support are caring and show passion about why children deserve good quality accessible play opportunities,” said Helena Rhodes from the Springfield Centre, who nominated the group.

“They give up their time thoughtlessly to help others, they help out at community events even at short notice.

“They research and consult with other all the time to keep the programme of activities current and relevant.”

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