SCHOOLS in County Durham are being urged to enter pupils' achievements for recognition.

Six schools in the area already hold Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial awards, and now others are being asked to take part.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown is urging governors, teachers and parents to ensure that achievements by secondary school pupils are recognised.

All secondary schools are eligible each year to nominate a pupil or small group of pupils who give outstanding service to their school or community, or achieve personal development in difficult circumstances.

The award is a way to recognise, celebrate and encourage qualities of altruism, courage and kindness in young people between the ages of 11 and 18.

Mr Brown said: "We must encourage young people who contribute to their communities to continue to be active citizens, and to show that social achievements are just as important as academic achievements. Their example can then inspire others.

"The Diana Memorial Awards will support, in a practical way, the development of the Citizenship in the Classroom programme, which will equip young people with the skills they need for employment and to meet the challenges of adult life."

The award is given to students nominated for improving the life of others, enhancing the school or community in which the young people live, and showing exemplary pro-gress in personal development, especially in adverse circumstances.

Among those who have won the awards are those who have raised money for charity, subscribed to anti-bullying or anti-racism campaigns in their schools, or overcome disabilities or helped family friends to do so.

Keith Mitchell, director of education at Durham County Council, said: "The contributions made by individual young people recognised by the Diana Award are valuable in their own right, but valuable too, in the context of strong communities and a healthy society."

The schools which already hold it are Dene Community School of Technology, Easington Community School, Ferryhill Comprehensive, Seaham School, Spennymoor School and Wellfield Comprehensive School.

Nominations are invited for the current term, with a deadline of Friday, March 2.

For more information, or nomination forms, call (0208) 709 9935.