THERE is now less than a month to go until the sixth annual CATS (Comm­unity Action Through Sport) awards.

Clair Roberts, Project Development Manager for CATS, said: "The government Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) have launched a new initiative recently called 'Cele­brating Young People,' which is about recognising that young people in our communities do great things and should be recognised! Hang on a minute, I thought, as that is what CATS does already and has been doing for five years.

"Well I can tell you, I made a few phone calls and sent quite a lot of letters to find out who was heading this up and to make sure that CATS would be included. I ended up speaking to the CEO of the National Youth Agency who confirmed indeed the government wanted to recognise the great things young people do and to promote the positive side of young people in the community, not the negative one we hear so much about."

She added: "I told him all about CATS and all the things we are doing and the great young people we recognise and represent. What can I say? He was impressed, and furthermore if we are able to be on the national steering group, not only will CATS be recognised, but the fact it is a scheme that comes from Bude in Cornwall will certainly be noted."

Olympic Volleyball player Denise Austen and World Champion Iron Man Nick Thorne will be among those presenting the awards during the ceremony on April 29.

Nominations are still invited for any young person who has made a positive community action.

Clair continued: "You may be just someone who sees what goes on in a village, or work for a charity that young people have given their time for. It is open to anyone; teachers, sports coaches, youth leaders, council members, fundraisers, beach rangers, mums and dads. If you know that a young person has been doing something for the benefit of someone else, donating their free time and energy as a volunteer, please put them forward for an award."

CATS has recently formed a partnership with the RFU and v-Involved so young people do not only get a CATS award, but will also be recognised by RFU v-Rugby and v-Involved.

Nomination forms are available from the Ripe Cafe and Zuma Jays in Bude; online at http://www.cats-uk.org">www.cats-uk.org, by emailing [email protected]">[email protected] or by phoning 01288 357505.