The Lord Mayor of Bradford is setting up a new award to encourage young people in the district to Be Valued, Be Someone and Be Active.

The award scheme was unveiled yesterday by the district’s first citizen, Councillor Dale Smith.

It offers 11 to 16-year-olds the chance to work towards receiving a nationally-accredited certificate and has been set up in response to an increased demand from young people who want to be involved in volunteering, as well as physical and community activities. The Lord Mayor’s award programme has been designed to meet young people’s needs.

To gain the full certificate, young people need to complete three sections: Be Valued, Be Someone and Be Active. Each element requires a commitment of a minimum of ten hours of voluntary time over 12 weeks.

The Be Valued award is about helping others by making a positive contribution to their lives, which could include volunteering at a community centre or help at a care home.

The Be Someone award is about learning new skills and attributes that may help in the future, such as life skills, health skills, employment skills or hobby skills.

The Be Active award is about commitment to a physical activity or a range of activities that benefit young peoples’ health and allows them to be more active.

Coun Smith said: "It’s a great privilege to launch this award. It aims to encourage young people to become active citizens and to help both themselves and others.

“Young people are our future and during my period in office I’ve been lucky to meet so many of them from across the district who are making such a positive contribution to their community.”

Councillor Ralph Berry, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for children’s services, said: “This is a fantastic initiative which supports young people’s development by offering diverse learning opportunities which complement school work.”