Chance for youngsters to volunteer

10:09am Thursday 8th May 2008

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COMMUNITY-spirited youngsters are urged to get involved with an annual volunteering scheme.

For the third year running, Young Community Volunteers (YCV) will be encouraging secondary school pupils to come up with projects which will benefit their town or village.

The scheme, which has been championed by the Safer Ryedale Partnership, with support from the Gazette & Herald, will award the best efforts with big money prizes.

Rachael Fox-Evans, children & young people development officer for Ryedale, said the scheme is open to young people aged between 11 and 17 who carry out a project with the help of an older mentor.

She said: "Young people not only get the chance to develop imaginative ways of helping communities they live in, but also are engaged in positive activities in the holidays - traditionally a time when boredom can sometimes set in."

For those who successfully complete the project there are chances to win big prizes - with the winners receiving £600 in high street vouchers to share between team-mates.

Second and third prizes are of £300 and £150 and all taking part will receive £10 in HMV vouchers. In recent years, past teams have helped raise money for local mental health groups, filmed a crime prevention video and raised funds for a new village play area.

Overseeing the competition is Mick Wingrove, of North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, who said it's not just the local community who benefits.

He said: "One of the main aims of the project is to raise self-esteem and confidence in young people and promote good citizenship by providing positive activity in the local community.

"Last year's winning team raised money and erected facilities on an allotment for Ryedale Special families. They also organised a series of events to raise money for the charity and all taking part got a lot out of the work."

To receive an application pack visit www.ryedale.gov.uk, text 07801 902891 or email gail.snowden@ryedale.gov.uk

Closing date for entries is June 20.