ARE you 13 years old and wanting to earn some extra cash? Sick of babysitting for Auntie Sue, washing up for mum and cleaning the car for dad? Why not make the most of your school holidays and get yourself a paper round? With summer just around the corner, it's the ideal time to get outdoors!

WHEN people think of newspapers, they automatically think of reporters, but delivery boys and girls are just as important.

Without them, it wouldn't be possible to deliver the 660,000 copies of the free Citizen series which are distributed each week to homes across Lancashire - including thousands of homes throughout Blackburn, Burnley and Chorley.

Without their dedication 250,000 copies of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph would not make it safely to our loyal readers in Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn, Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale and the Ribble Valley.

With a competitive wage of £3.80 per hour - which is set to rise to £4.10 per hour in October - our delivery boys and girls know they will get their rewards for a job well done.

Recently-elected Blackburn Councillor Suleman Khonat, 44, of Khonat News, Johnston Street, represents the National Federation of Retail Newsagents (NFRN).

Over 25,000 newsagents are members of the NFRN across the UK and they employ over 250,000 newspaper delivery boys and girls.

Coun Khonat said: "I think the kids do an enormous job, in all weathers - a job which is highly appreciated, especially by the elderly."

Delivering papers can also prove to be beneficial for youngsters later in life when they begin job hunting. Coun Khonat added: "Nowadays, as members of the NFRN, all news agencies provide up to date references for any delivery boys or girls who wish to move on to another job. So more than anything, it provides a good start to their working life."

Beardwood High school pupil Muntazir Shah, 14, of Pine Street, Blackburn, has been delivering the Lancashire Evening Telegraph for over a year. He said: "The best thing about being a paperboy is communicating with people." Both Jason Parkington, 13, of Rolleston Road, and Lewis Cooper, 14, of Heyhurst Road, both Blackburn, like to save the money they earn. They said: "It gets us out and about and it's great of exercise!"

And it's not just girls and boys who do the rounds - 45-year-old Janet Paul of Johnston Street, Blackburn, has been delivering newspapers for more than 10 years.

Janet is no stranger to the limelight. Two years ago, she was awarded 'Best Newspaper Delivery Woman' in a national competition sponsored by McDonald's. She said: "The money I earn from my rounds keeps me going.".

Anyone who is interested in becoming a paper boy/girl, should call the distribution department on 01254 298337 to find out if there are vacancies in their area.