Young People of the Year

20/04/2009

The hunt is on for young people in Scotland who give the younger generation a good name

In a contest endorsed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Scotland's biggest sweet maker has put up £6,000 prize money to be won by young people who are "positive role models" and "give to others".

Buchanan's of Scotland Young People of the Year is aimed at giving young Scots a fairer image at a time when many stories about young people can be negative. The Prime Minister calls "YOPEY" - as the contest is known for short - "a wonderful celebration of youth".

Contest organisers are looking for young people across Scotland who give to their families or communities. They can be young carers who look after relatives at home or youngsters who go out into the community to run clubs or fundraise.

The top prize in Buchanan's YOPEY will be £2,000. One young Scot will get to choose a good cause to receive £1,000 of their prize money, but they will keep the other £1,000. There are 13 more prizes ranging from £1,000 to £200 where the youngsters will keep half the money and give half away.

To nominate a young person, who must be aged 10 to 25 and live, work or study in Scotland, check out the YOPEY website or write to PO Box 103, Hare Street, Ware SG9 0XD enclosing a SAE. Entries close on 31st August.