A PARISH Council is launching two new initiatives to involve and reward youngsters in their community.

Romanby Parish Council’s Young Person and Youth Group/Team Awards have been launched to thank and pay special tribute to the village’s young residents whose work and efforts show excellence, commitment and achievement.

The Awards will recognise residents aged between seven and 18-years-old who have acted in a kind or selfless manner for the good of the community, and/or who has worked hard to fulfil personal targets.

The group/team award will recognise a youth group or team based in Romanby parish, who have enhanced the community.

The second initiative, a Romanby Parish Youth Council, will ideally consist of 12 residents aged 11 to 18 from Romanby - mirroring the size of the full Parish Council - who will work alongside the regular councillors.

They will meet two to three times per year, to input ideas, comments and suggestions, and to ensure that young peoples’ wishes are heard and represented in the village.

Residents can nominate youngsters for the awards via www.romanby-pc.gov.uk by January 31.

For more details about the awards scheme and joining the Youth Council, contact the parish clerk on 07783 949546.