Today sees the launch of The Kendal and District Young Citizen of the Year award, organised by The Castle Green Hotel in Kendal in conjunction with The Westmorland Gazette.

It aims to recognise and reward the accomplishments of the district's under-21 year-olds and encourage them to attain their future goals and aspirations.

The competition is open to all under-21's - ideally aged 16-21- who live in South Lakeland.

Entrants can be in full-time education, employment or training, and there are categories to cover sporting success, community involvement and scholastic achievements.

The contest will culminate in a prize-giving dinner at the hotel on Thursday, November 15, during which the winning young citizen will receive £1,000 prize money.

People entering the award scheme need to be sponsored by their school, employer, association or organisation,

and application forms need to be signed by their chosen sponsor.

Application forms cover five subjects including scholastic achievements, community involvement, sporting prowess and employment record.

There is also a 'life plan' section to be filled in outlining each candidate's plans and goals for the next few years.

Entrants also need to show how they would constructively spend the £1,000 prize money, perhaps putting it towards further education or training, or travelling abroad - or a combination of several projects.

Applicant forms will then be scoured by a panel of judges including the Mayor of Kendal David Birkett, the editor of the Westmorland Gazette Mike Glover, the personnel manager of Lakeland Limited Debbie Bullock, retired senior executive of K Shoes Tim Keegan, Cumbria Red Cross commissioner Anne Fitzherbert and finance director at the Castle Green Hotel Catherine Alexander.

Application forms are available from The Westmorland Gazette shop, or the Castle Green Hotel reception.

Forms will also be sent out to schools and community groups to encourage young people to enter.

The closing date for applications is October 19.

Completed forms, with a passport photo enclosed, should be sent to: Victoria Clark, Westmorland Gazette, 22 Stricklandgate, Kendal, LA9 4 NE.

For more information, call event co-ordinator Jane Allan on 01539-797005.