NOMINATIONS are being sought for young volunteer awards in Callington, part of a scheme which acknowledges the valuable contribution youngsters make to their community.

The East Cornwall CATS (Community Action awarded Through Sport) project was set up last year and recognises young people who have volunteered their time to make a big impact where they live.

The next award ceremony will take place in January and will be open to young people aged seven to 25 who live or go to school in Callington and have been actively volunteering in the period from September 2007 to November 2008.

Each award winner will receive a sports voucher to access sporting activities such as swimming, windsurfing and mountain biking.

More than 60 young people from Callington and Saltash were awarded for their involvement in sports activities and community projects at a special ceremony at St Mellion Golf and Country Club last year. The same venue will host the next round of awards in January 2009.

CATS was started in Bude and has been pioneered by the police together with local colleges.

It encourages a sense of community and healthy living as well as helping to reduce problems of anti-social behaviour through teenagers having something positive to do.

Through the scheme, local initiatives and activities have been set up, including Friday night football sessions and a arts project to improve the frontage of the Callington Youth Centre.

Michelle Roberts from Callington Community College, who is organising the awards event, said: 'It is important we recognise the achievements of young people. They often receive negative press, however, there are many young people who make a real difference in their community and this needs to be recognised and celebrated.

'The standard of last year's nominations was very high and we are looking forward to receiving nominations for the next event.'

Last year awards were given for volunteering at after-school clubs, competitions and school events, sports clubs, the fire cadets and St John Ambulance.

Young people were also recognised for their involvement in beach cleans, organising fundraising events and arts projects.

A group of judges will also vote on the CATS volunteer of the year award, who will be selected from the nominations received and will be given to the young person who, in the judges' opinion, has made the biggest impact in their local community.

All awards for the next event will be sponsored by local sports and leisure providers.

CATS is supported by Youth Cornwall, South East Cornwall Extended services network, Callington Community College, Saltash.net Community School, Caradon District Council, Bude CATS and Devon and Cornwall Police.

Michelle said: 'If you know of a young person volunteering in your community or with an organisation you are involved in, please let us know so we can celebrate and recognise their achievements.'

Nomination forms can be obtained from Callington community college by emailing [email protected]">[email protected] or by telephoning Amanda Huggins on 01579 386120.