THREE East Lancashire teenagers have been nominated for a prestigious police citizenship award.

The Young Citizen Awards 2001 spotlights young heroes in Lancashire whose hard work, grit and determination has made them household names in their own communities.

The search for heroes was launched by England and Liverpool footballer Jamie Redknapp last year.

The High Sheriff of Lancashire's awards are administered by the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime.

On Friday winners will receive cash prizes which they can donate to their favourite charities.

Among the nominees are 18-year-old Kirsty Sagar, who was selected after founding the Burnley Boys Club Senior Citizens' Over 70s Ballroom Dancing Club.

As well as teaching men and women to dance for the past three years, Kirsty has encouraged their attendance by organising a fleet of voluntary cars to and from their homes.

Lisa Marie Flynn, 18, of Padiham, is nominated for her commitment to a project to build a youth shelter in her home town.

Sinceit was built, the shelter has been used as a meeting place for teenagers who are kept safe and dry during the evenings.

Rossendale schoolboy James Molloy is also among the hopefuls.

James, 13, impressed the judges with his commitment to the environment.

He has been heavily involved in a school project that works towards reducing the waste of energy, water and other natural resources.

James also organises a team of litter pickers who are responsible for keeping the playgrounds of Alder Grange in Rawtenstall spick and span.

James, from Crawshawbooth, also raised money for the Indian Earthquake Appeal last year.

Clare Foster, a teacher at Alder Grange, said: "James is one of his own. He completely does things off his own bat.

"If he sees a need or a gap that has to be filled, he will give up his own time to do it. He has a very mature social consience and is a complete example to the rest of our pupils."