IT is a common cry that young people make the headlines for all the wrong reasons, summed up by the relatively modern label of anti-social behaviour.
We know, however, that the majority of youngsters are decent, law-abiding members of society with valuable contributions to make.
Matthew Smith, 11, and Sarah O'Hare, 12, are children who underline the point. As Suzanne McIvor, of The Samaritans, says in today's edition of The Northern Echo: "It is impossible not to be inspired by these children."
Matthew, of Great Lumley, near Chester-le-Street, in County Durham, simply wanted to do something positive in memory of his 19-year-old brother Daniel, who committed suicide at Easter.
With the help of his cousin Sarah, he came up with the idea of a wristband to raise money for The Samaritans and to promote awareness of the charity's work.
Yesterday, the project was officially launched at Sunderland Football Club's Stadium of Light. With 20,000 wristbands to sell at £1 each, precious funds will be provided for youth work in the region.
Our congratulations go out to Matthew and Sarah for their wonderful initiative, which is being supported by Sunderland and Hartlepool football clubs, as well as Durham Football Association.
It is another example of how good can come out of tragedy, and is a reminder that the younger generation should not all be tarred with the same brush.
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