YOUNGSTERS have been put at the top of Bury Police's most wanted list.

The force is asking members of the public to be on the lookout for the most dedicated and caring youngsters, one of which will go on to represent the borough's police division in the annual Young Citizen of the Year award.

Greater Manchester Police's Chief Constable, Michael Todd, and the current Young Citizen, Bolton's Brett Ratcliffe, are backing the annual campaign to seek fresh nominations from the force's eleven divisions for the prestigious award, which recognises young people who selflessly give up their own time and effort to help others.

The award, sponsored by Barclays, acknowledges the work carried out by youngsters across the region and rewards them for their dedication and commitment to the community.

Chief Constable Todd said: "The way in which young people across the region volunteer their own time and efforts to meet the needs of their local communities is a credit to the whole of Greater Manchester.

"Our Young Citizen of the Year awards aim to reward these youngsters for their dedication and commitment and I hope that the hard work of these 'model young citizens' will continue to inspire others to follow in their footsteps."

This year's winner will receive a first prize of £1,000 courtesy of Barclays, to be donated to a charity or community initiative of the winner's choice, a holiday to the value of £1,500, a personal cheque for £1,000, and a VIP day out at Manchester United Football Club.

All eleven finalists will receive a cheque for £100 from Barclays to donate to a charity or community initiative of their choice as well as a voucher for a meal for two at the Thistle Hotel in Manchester.

To qualify for the Young Citizen of the Year awards, young people must be aged 10-18 on July 1. Nominations can be made by anyone including friends, parents, brothers, sisters, teachers and youth group leaders. Nomination forms are available from all police stations, secondary schools and branches of Barclays Bank across Greater Manchester, on-line at www.gmp.police.uk/youth-matters or by calling the hotline on 0161 856 8888.