YOUNG people who give up their time to serve the community are in the spotlight for our Community Awards this week.

Colchester Trinity Rotary Club and the Gazette have launched the first Colchester Community Awards.

And there are three categories especiallly honouring the efforts of those under 21.

Nominations can be made for individual children and young people who give their time to help the community, a child or young person like a carer who helps another individual, and a young person’s group or organisation.

James Wills, assistant editior of the Gazette, said: “Society is often too quick to criticise young people and put them down, many times unfairly and without justification.

“But there are countless children and young people in Colchester who are doing fantastic work for the benefit of others.

“We believe it’s important they receive some thanks for what they do and the Community Awards is a great way of doing that.”

Collier & Catchpole is sponsoring the category for outstanding voluntary service to the community by a young persons group.

Managing director Tim Rowbottom said volunteers were the life-blood of communities and a crucial part of Colchester life.

The Community Awards will culminate in a special awards cermeony at the Headgate Theatre in June.

Winners will receive a Rotary Fellowship Award - the highest award the Rotary can give anyone in the community - as well as Lion Walk shopping vouchers and an engraved silver salver.

There are eight categories in total recognising adults, young people and children, charities and volunteer organisations.

The deadline for entries is March 1 and nominations can be made by post or downloading the application form from www.gazette-news.co.uk/community_awards/