TYLDESLEY teenager Maria Howard has the name of a saint. And she has the caring attitude that goes with it.

So it is little wonder that Maria, 16, of Stour Road, has been nominated as one of 10 finalists in the Greater Manchester Police 'Young Citizen of the Year' awards.

For the former Fred Longworth High School pupil, who is now studying at Worsley College for her GNVQ qualifications in Health and Social Care, spends hours each week looking after and helping those in need, including her great-grandad Fred Smith, 90, who is a member of Wigan Blind Club and who suffers from angina and arthritis.

She is also a long-standing members of St John Ambulance Brigade having spent six years and more than 1,000 hours offering her time. And earlier this year she was promoted to Sergeant after the Commissioner of Youth was so impressed with her devotion to duty.

She was also awarded the St John's Grand Prior Award by the Princess Royal, the first time such an award had been made in her area.

In addition, Maria spends time helping her local Meals on Wheels and Astley Luncheon Club, where she acts as an escort.

And when she is not helping with her voluntary work, Maria loves playing darts at her local Labour Club!

Her proud mum Diana, 38, said: "Maria has always been very helpful, in fact a tower of strength, and she has been enormous help at home helping to look after her sister Clare, 15, who has health problems, and was been a big help to me when I went through my divorce, always offering moral support and practical help. She deserves her place in the final and I am very proud of her."

If Maria wins the title she will receive £1,500 for the charity of her choice, donated by Warner Lambert Confectionery, and a two weeks holiday in the Mediterranean for four people, thanks to Sunset Holidays. The finals will take place at the Portland Hotel in Manchester in November.

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