TWO young people from south Worcestershire have been shortlisted for West Mercia Constabulary's Good Citizen of the Year award.

Samantha Spencer, aged 13, from Droitwich, who attends Droitwich High School, and Andrew Marks, 17, from Worcester, who attends Pershore High School, are among 10 youngsters in line for the prestigious title, which will be announced by the Chief Constable, Mr Paul West, at a gala awards ceremony at the force headquarters, Hindlip Hall, near Worcester next Thursday.

There are two young people shortlisted from each of the force's five divisions.

PC Taryn Green, who has organised the awards this year, said: "All the young people who have been nominated for and received a good citizen award this year, have shown that they are prepared to give up their own time to make a difference to their communities.

"As always it was very difficult to select just 10 people for the Good Citizen of the Year shortlist, but the divisional commanders feel the young people they have selected really stood out.

"All the nominees are thoroughly deserving and their families, friends and nominators should be very proud of them. The Chief Constable now has the difficult task of choosing just one person to be the overall Good Citizen of the Year, which is going to be very tough."

Samantha and Andrew were among 79 young people aged 18 and under received Good Citizen certificates at award ceremonies held in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Shropshire earlier this year.

Samantha was awarded for her commitment to fundraising, and Andrew was commended for his volunteering work.

Now in their 20th year the annual awards, which were launched in 1987, recognise acts of outstanding community spirit, generosity and courage by young people.

Nomination forms were sent to schools across the force area and were also available to download on the force's website.

All those shortlisted for the Good Citizen of the Year award will receive a prize and £50. The young person judged to have made the most significant contribution to their community will be named Good Citizen of the Year and will receive an extra £100 in cash, which is to be shared equally with a charity of their choice, as well as a trophy.