The Lions Club of Launceston, were delighted to be able to host the district final of the Young Ambassador of the 21st Century Competition.

It is a misconception that all young people in the community are selfish and uncaring as often portrayed in the media.

The Lions Young Ambassador scheme acknowledges the work of young people working as volunteers and gives them the recognition they deserve, by boosting their self esteem, their confidence in themselves as well as highlighting the charities and groups they are involved with.

The young people are selected by the Lions Club of their area and are between 16 and 19 years of age.

This year there were six finalists, all of them winners, and the judges, Lion Dan Rogerson , MP for North Cornwall, Irene Alford, a therapeutic councillor for children and young people and John Shepherd, a retired Plymouth Dockyard Manager, admitted that they had a very difficult job and after a lot of deliberation, they finally chose Alex White who was sponsored by the Lions Club of South Molton.

Alex will now represent the South West at the Multiple District Finals at Dudley, where representatives of all the districts of the British Isles and Ireland will compete.

The winner of each district is given a bursary to assist with a chosen project connected with their volunteer activities. The Multiple District gets a much larger bursary and the opportunity to compete against other like minded young people for each European County to become the European Young Ambassador of the 21st Century.

During the interviews Judy Pride, Fundraising Coordinator for Children's Hospice South West gave an update of the progress for Little Harbour as well as an interesting, emotive and informative talk about this Charity.

Hopefully next year the Lions Club of Launceston, will be able to have a candidate at this stage.

If any leaders know of a young person in this age group who is involved with serving others younger than themselves or even their peers, please contact any member of the Lions Club for further details.

After all it is the young people who are responsible for the future wellbeing of our society.