CARING pupils from a Bury school narrowly missed out on a top honour but they still managed to "Make a Difference".

Youngsters from Derby High School in Radcliffe Road represented the Bury division in the annual Greater Manchester Police "Make a Difference" award.

Their involvement in the grand final, taking on ten other teams from the county's divisional police areas, followed a recent sponsored walk which raised £850 for the Whizz Kids charity to provide disabled youngsters with specially adapted bicycles enabling them to learn to ride a bike like other young people. The "Make a Difference" scheme is aimed at encouraging and supporting young people to use their energies, enthusiasm and ideas in changing their communities.

A team from Salford was named as the 2001 award winners for their involvement in cleaning up a run-down area of Worsley.

They were presented with a cheque for £2,000 and a trophy together with a similar amount to be donated to a charity or community initiative of their choice.

Bury's team was presented with a congratulatory certificate and, thanks to their local division, a £200 cheque from the Greater Manchester Shrievalty Police Trust.

Bury's Youth Development Officer, PC Helen Tildsley, is pictured presenting the £200 cheque to representatives from Derby High School. They are (from left to right) pupils Kirsty Monksfield, head of year Mr Bill Griffiths, and pupil Amir Hussain. Also shown is Gregor Gilmour (7) and one of the bikes bought by Whizz Kids.

PC Tildesley was delighted with the overall efforts of the youngsters who certainly flew the flag for Bury with pride during the popular competition.