TODAY the Oxford Mail begins the hunt for Oxfordshire's Young Person of the Year.

We want to hear about anyone, aged 18 or under, who you think deserves this award for their bravery, kindness or commitment.

It could be someone who gives up time to care for a friend or relative or someone who has shown exceptional bravery or dedication to a cause.

This is the second time the Oxford Mail has held the Young Person of the Year awards, with Oxfordshire County Council and British Telecom.

To make it easier, we have introduced a third category for bravery, open to anyone under 18. This will join the existing age categories for people aged 13 and under, and those aged between 14 and 18.

Editor Chris Cowley said: "We are delighted to once again be involved in this scheme. There are hundreds of worthy youngsters in our community."

The winner in each of the three sections will get a trophy and a cheque for £250, with £100 for each runner-up. There will also be £50 for the person who nominates each winner.

As well as your name, address and phone number and that of the person you want to nominate, we also need details of a third person to support your nomination. This should not be a relation but could be a teacher or family friend.

Entry forms will appear regularly in the Oxford Mail until March 20 and entries must be received by March 27. Last year's winners OUR winners last year were Lindsay-Ann Smith and Kate Harris, with Alex Cumiskey and Laura Ashmore as runners-up.

Lindsay-Ann, now 16, of Kingfisher Green, Oxford, was nominated by 90-year-old Eva Symonds, of Eastern House, Littlemore, whom Lindsay-Ann visited and helped every week.

Lindsay-Ann has just left Milham Ford School and is now looking for a job. She is still keenly involved in the army cadet force and particularly interested in teaching younger cadets. She continues to visit Mrs Symonds regularly.

Alex Cumiskey, 15, of Wheatfields, Didcot, was nominated by his mother Gail last year because of the work he does as her home carer. He still looks after her and is due to take 11 GCSEs at St Birinus School in Didcot in June.

In the past year Kate Harris, 13, of Radley Road, Abingdon, has been a little less busy than previously. Her grandmother, who she used to help at home, has moved to a nursing home and while Kate still visits, there is less for her to do. Extra homework from John Mason School in Abingdon is also taking up her time.

Laura Ashmore, who was runner-up to Kate last year, is still a pupil at Wheatley Primary School. Laura, ten, of Parkside, Cuddesdon, was nominated last year by her grandmother Dorothy Ashmore, who said: "She has a rare gift for a child of her age, warmth and understanding, especially when it comes to people who need help."

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