THE efforts of community-minded young people who have been identified as positive role models for others are to be celebrated at an awards ceremony this weekend.

The Suffolk Young People of the Year (YOPEY) awards will be held on Sunday at the Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge School.

The awards, sponsored by Suffolk Constabulary, Suffolk Police Authority, BT, Suffolk County Council and others, aim to challenge negative portrayals of young people and to highlight inspirational stories and positive behaviour.

Nominations were submitted from all over the county and 10 finalists have been chosen to attend Sunday’s ceremony.

The winner will receive �1,000, the runner-up will collect �500 and both the third place prize and the Junior Suffolk Young People of the Year winner will each win �250. All the winners will give away half their cash prizes to a good cause of their choice.

This is the second YOPEY Awards that Suffolk has been involved in, after a joint ceremony with Norfolk last year.

Judges of the awards include Chief Constable Simon Ash, chairman of Suffolk Police Authority Colin Spence, High Sheriff of Suffolk, Tessa Innes, and chairman of Suffolk County Council, Eddy Alcock.

Mr Ash said: “The YOPEY award scheme allows young people to receive recognition and reward for the good work they carry out in their local area.

“I hope that the awards will serve as inspiration to other young people to get involved with community projects and to give something back to local people.”