Deserving Aireborough youngsters will be commended for their community work in a new awards initiative.

The Aireborough Civic Society has re-launched its youth awards scheme after cancelling it due to a rise in anti-social behaviour in the area.

It has now decided to continue the awards to reward outstanding young people who have made a difference to benefit the community.

Society chairman Peter Middleton said: "It is aimed at young people who have been active in a project or have been of benefit and value to Aireborough or to the people of Aireborough. For example youngsters who have given some of their time to helping people with special needs or the elderly. It could also be youngsters who have been improving their local community or nature conservation work or a young person who people believe has been in voluntary work where the local community has benefited."

People can nominate youngsters for the award if they think they have done something worthwhile and winners will gain a share of £100 prizes.

All the nominations must be signed by a parent, guardian or head teacher and the closing date is at the end of May.

Mr Middleton has written to Benton Park School in Rawdon, Guiseley School and St Mary's RC Comprehensive in Menston to inform them.

The group withdrew its funding for the scheme last year after a rise in vandalism in the area, after criticism that good pupils were being punished for the behaviour of others it decided to re-launch it.

The scheme will focus on pupils who have done something to deserve the awards.

The previous scheme gave cash prizes to each of the Aireborough schools to honour the work of outstanding pupils.

l Application forms are available by writing to Peter Middleton, Anvil, Moorlands Drive, Yeadon, Leeds, LS19 6AA.