HUNDREDS of young people walked away with a Smart Awards certificate last year after touching the hearts of friends and family.

This year, Stockton Borough Council's youth service is looking for yet more special young people, aged up to 19, whose hard work and efforts make a difference to the lives of those around them.

The Stockton Mayor's Achievement Recognition Trophy was set up to reward the good work of young people in the borough.

Each year, ten trophies are awarded in different categories including educational effort, education achievement, sport, bravery, teamwork and the exceptional award for the outstanding achievement of primary schoolchildren.

This year, the awards will be presented at a ceremony in May at the Baptist Tabernacle by the Mayor of Stockton, Mick Stoker.

The awards are run by a group of young people picked by the youth service who act as the panel of judges. The awards are sponsored by TFM Radio.

Now the judges are looking for nominations for the awards.

Nomination forms can be found in libraries, youth clubs and schools or on the web at www.stockton.gov.uk or telephone (01642) 526398.