GREEN-FINGERED Jon Paul Entwistle has been chosen to represent Bury's Thin Blue Line.

The 12-year-old beat off stiff competition to be named the Bury Young Citizen of the Year 2002 and is now one of 11 finalists who will compete for the Greater Manchester county title.

The Young Citizen of the Year competition recognises the dedication and commitment shown by young people in helping members of the community or their own families.

Derby High School pupil, Jon Paul, was nominated for the Bury divisional title by his teacher, Mrs Christine Alexander, after learning of his community work.

Jon Paul, of Seedfield Road, regularly gardens for his elderly neighbours and relatives. At Easter, the youngster also made hampers for local pensioners.

He is a member of the Bury Rangers football club where the chairmen recently presented him with an award for his fund-raising activities and helping to train the younger members.

The search for Greater Manchester Police's Young Citizen of the Year comes to a head on November 15 when the overall winner will be announced at a special presentation in Manchester.

PC Helen Tildesley, youth development officer for Bury police, said: "Jon is an exceedingly modest young man and has a mature outlook for his young age. He is very polite, smart and well spoken. He has a keenness to help people and believes what he does to help people is only what everyone should do.

"He is a credit and a shining example to young people."

PC Derek Boothroyd from GMP's Community Affairs Branch said: "It is going to be extremely difficult to choose a winner from the 11 finalists, as they are all exceptional. We have once again been astounded at the way young people from across Greater Manchester have volunteered their spare time, energy and enthusiasm to help other people."

This year's winner will receive a first prize of £1,000 to be donated to a charity or community initiative of the winner's choice, a holiday to the value of £1,000, £1,000 spending money, and a VIP day out at Manchester United football club.

All runners-up will receive a cheque for £100 from Barclays to donate to a charity or community initiative of their choice and a voucher for a meal for two at the Thistle Hotel in Manchester.

The announcement of the winner will be made at the presentation evening to be held at the Thistle Hotel, Piccadilly Gardens.