This article and video link about Young Citizens Awards come from RIBI, Rotary in Britain and Ireland.

Rotary clubs across Great Britain and Ireland are paving the way for young people to discover new skills, confidence, help communities and have great fun in the process. Whether it is creative skills, such as cookery and photography, or looking for a real challenge which will have positive impact, Rotary has the opportunity.

Chair of the Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland (RIBI) New Generations Committee, Donna Wallbank, says there is so much for people to be involved with: "Rotary really does have an opportunity for every age group. Clubs work with schools, with groups, with everyone really to help people fulfill their potential.

"At the moment we are running our annual national competitions, which youngsters can still enter. If you like cooking, photography, writing, public speaking or music, then contact your local Rotary club and find out how you could join in. The contests start at local level and build up to very exciting national finals.

"There are also clubs for various ages where youngsters come together and create ideas to help communities at home and overseas. These projects really allow them to be innovative and also support the national curriculum by reinforcing the importance of good citizenship. Most importantly, everyone has fun and makes great friends in the process.

"We are all very proud of all the opportunities on offer by Rotary here in Great Britain and Ireland but there is one event which moves me every year. The RIBI Young Citizens awards recognise the achievements of young people who have gone above and beyond to help others, often overcoming adversity themselves. In previous years we have given an award to Lydia Cross who lost her lower legs to meningitis. She has raised thousands for injured soldiers. Cameron Foster spent weeks in hospital as a youngster after falling from a ski lift, unable to move or play sports. When he recovered he decided to help others get involved with sport and has travelled extensively to promote good health and the benefits of sport. Anyone can be nominated for this with winners receiving trophies at the national RIBI Conference.

"This is the tip of the iceberg as Rotary also offers overseas exchanges and study opportunities along with Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, where participants learn how to be good leaders and team workers. They will meet people from all over the world and enjoy cultural exchanges.

"The best way to describe Rotary is active, vibrant and forward thinking and I urge anyone who is looking for a genuinely different challenge to get in touch with their club or RIBI to find out more."