This year, for the first time, the Society will be sponsoring the Cambridgeshire Young People of the Year Awards (YOPEY). This contest recognises and rewards young unsung heroes who give to others or who have battled against adversity to better themselves.

YOPEY was founded in 2006 by Tony Gearing, a former national newspaper journalist who grew tired of the bad press young people were getting. After starting out in South Cambs, Tony has now taken the awards to other areas of the country including Essex, Hertfordshire and Nottingham.

The awards have received support and praise from many high profile figures including the Prime Minister and his wife Sarah, and Julie Spence, Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

The Society will be sponsoring the awards alongside Stagecoach and JDR Umbilical Systems (a cable engineering company based in Littleport).

Nominations for the awards are now open to young people aged 10-25 who live, work or study in Cambridgeshire or on the borders of the County. Whether they are running sports teams or other clubs, volunteering, being a good neighbour, or doing their bit for people less fortunate than themselves, there are thousands of people who deserve thanks and praise.

There is £2,000 to be won in Cambridgeshire with a top prize of £1,000. Young winners will give half their prize money to a good cause of their choice, but they will be able to keep the other half. The awards will be presented at a special ceremony in December at Cambridge Airport.

Anyone can nominate a young person for a YOPEY, including young people themselves. Click here for an entry form.

To find out more log onto www.youngpeopleoftheyear.org