BORDERERS are being encouraged to nominate the unsung young heroes of Galashiels for the first British Citizen Youth Awards (BCYA).

The awards have been set up to celebrate the efforts of under 16s who have impacted positively in the community, helped a local charity or undertaken exceptional activities in support of others.

BCYA co-founder Mike Faulkner told the Border Telegraph: “There is no age limit for selfless acts of kindness which is why we’re launching an award specially designed to honour under 16s.

“Selfless people are the key to making our society and communities the special places that they are, and this includes many unsung heroes who are often responsible for amazing things but don’t receive the praise they are due,” he added.

“We’d like to encourage people to help us give our amazing youngsters the credit they deserve. If you know a young person under the age of 16 who deserves to be recognised for their commitment to a good cause, then put them forward. Tell us who they are. We need the public’s help to find our young hidden heroes.”

The scheme has the backing of opticians Specsavers who were keen to support the new awards.

Stuart Forrester store director at Specsavers Galashiels said: “Unsung heroes make a difference to someone’s life every day.

“We are looking for local young people in the area who deserve to be recognised for the hard work they have carried out where it’s helping others, raising money for charity or raising awareness.”

Dame Mary Perkins, co-founder of Specsavers, added: “The society we live in tomorrow will be shaped by the children of today, which is why championing amazing young role models is so very important.

“The young people who become the recipients of the first British Citizen Youth Awards will, I am sure, inspire other youngsters to emulate their good work and embody the spirit of transparency, integrity, determination and achievement that define these awards.”

Public nominations for BCYA will close on September 16 before being reviewed by the committee. 

A list of this year’s recipients will be published in October ahead of a private ceremony where the selected nominees will be presented with BCYA titles and medals at The Palace of Westminster on October 18.

Parents or carers will need to validate the nomination, and nominations will need to be seconded by someone not related to the child. 

To nominate, email jacquif@britishcitizenawards.co.uk with BCYA in the subject line.