THE search is on for Greater Manchester's first Young Citizen of the new Millennium.

The annual Greater Manchester Young Citizen of the Year awards recognise the commitment demonstrated by young people across the region in helping others in the community.

GMP is looking for young people aged 11 to 17 (at July 1 1999) who may be caring for a member of their own family or who may help others in the community.

This may be as a result of individual initiative or as part of an organised activity.

Nominations can be made by a parent, teacher, youth worker, of anyone who feels someone special deserves wider recognition.

Closing date for nominations is July 1.

Ten finalists will be chosen and the winner announced in November at a gala evening in Manchester.

The title winner will win a cheque for £1,500 from sponsor Independent Insurance which will be donated to a charity or community project of the champion's choice.

He or she will also receive a £2,000 holiday donated by Manchester Airport and Airtours Aviation and enjoy a VIP visit to a top soccer club.

Chief Constable David Wilmot said: "The sort of young people we are looking for are those who give their time to help others without any thought of reward.

"Now is the time to give that person the recognition they so richly deserve and nominate them for this year's award."

Nomination forms are available from secondary schools, police stations or on the GMP website at www.gmp.police.uk.

Details from the Young Citizen hotline on 0161 856 8888.

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