YOUNG people often get a bad press. The truth, of course, is that for every youngster causing problems in society, there are many more who make a positive contribution.

Take nine-year-old Caspar Clyde, for example. He appears in today's edition of The Northern Echo because of his wonderful efforts to raise money for the treatment of Ebola victims.

Caspar, who lives in Darlington, was unfortunate enough to have had to spend time in hospital recently. He was in isolation for two weeks while being treated for the MRSA infection, but he made good use of his time.

His mother bought him a book on how to make balloon animals and Caspar emerged from hospital as something of an expert.

The member of the 12th Darlington Cubs wanted to make a difference with his new skill so he set about selling his balloon animals to raise cash for Ebola treatment.

We happen to think Caspar is a star. In fact, he has every right to be bursting with pride.