A SOUTH Craven teenager is to meet education secretary David Blunkett next week in a bid to persuade him to back a scheme to reward youngsters who work hard at school.

Amy Pickard is one of a handful of children picked to travel to London to chat to the high ranking Government minister.

She is hoping he will take on board an awards scheme which encourages youngsters to work well during lessons and get involved with out-of-school activities. Sixteen-year-old Amy, of Cornwall Avenue, Silsden, is herself a recipient of the Personal Award of Excellence (PAWE).

She was nominated by her teachers for her hard work at South Craven School, Cross Hills, and received a special PAWE certificate.

Amy also got the chance to spend a weekend taking part in outdoor pursuits such as rock climbing and canoeing as part of her prize.

"The awards scheme is really encouraging," she told the Herald. "It's a way of rewarding people for all the hard work they put in while they are at school."

As well as doing well in her lessons, Amy has also helped out in the school's library for three years and is a member of its debating society.

The PAWE awards were set up by former Keighley Cougar player Joe Grimmer with the help of the local police and the Youth Hostelling Association.

He has now formed his own company which is carrying on the awards scheme in the area.

Amy sets off for London next week to join others promoting their own individual educational schemes.

She will get the chance to meet Mr Blunkett and explain how the PAWE awards motivate schoolchildren.

"What we're hoping to do is encourage more areas across the country to adopt the scheme," she said. "Students are awarded by their exams but with this scheme they get the chance to do other things and it's well worth it.

"It would be good if we could get support from different groups because I know a lot of people who would love to be nominated for the award."

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