THREE students are reaping a reward for being good citizens.

Staff at Sunnydale School, Shildon, were asked to nominate pupils they thought would qualify for a new citizenship award launched by a partnership between Durham County Council and Sunderland Football Club.

Three prizes of a pair of tickets for Sunderland's match against Manchester City, at the Stadium of Light, on December 23, were on offer.

The trio chosen to receive them were year nine pupil Jade Maychell and year 11 students Michael Denham and Dean Baynham.

Jade was nominated for her work with a drama group, giving advice to elderly people on bogus callers.

Michael's name was put forward for his efforts in helping pensioners with jobs.

Dean was selected because he not only set up and ran the Poppy Day appeal at the school, but also laid a wreath on the school's behalf at the war memorial in Shildon, on Remembrance Sunday.

As part of their prize, on the day of the match, the award winners will have their photographs taken with pupils from other Durham schools as a memento of the event.

They will also be presented with certificates on behalf of the county council and the club to recognise their achievements.

It is hoped the award scheme, called Shining Through, will become an established annual event.