YOUNGSTERS from Penarth could be rewarded for acts of bravery or being a good citizen as part of a new town council initiative.

Penarth Town Council recently gave the go-ahead for a ‘task and finish group’ to be set up to consider the formation of a Young Citizen/ Young Person Award.

The award, suggested by Penarth Town Mayor Councillor Neil Thomas, would “recognise a young individual who has worked closely with people from all walks of life and culture to help build bridges and to achieve an improved society”.

It would also “celebrate an outstanding act of bravery, a regular selfless act for others, or for overcoming and learning to adapt to a registered disability”.

Dinas Powys cancer survivor Lara Cowpe, who has raised more than £50,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust, was recently nominated for a St David Citizenship Award herself in recognition of her charity work.

Lara, 26, said that she hoped the proposed Penarth Town Council award would inspire youngsters to make a difference in their community.

“It would be great to repay the young people in the community, as young people tend to get a bit of bad press,” she said.

“This award would be great for those youngsters going the extra mile for others.”

A town clerk report before the town council’s policy and finance committee meeting last Wednesday, April 9, added: “Young people nominated for the award would be making a positive endeavour to take part in community or voluntary activities, or regularly provide care support to a relative or friend."

It would also reward “a young person who has made a significant contribution to the residents of the town, achieved educational success and/or overcome personal difficulties.”

The award could take the form of a certificate and small monetary award.

During the meeting councillor Neil Thomas, who represents the Cornerswell ward, said that the Vale Youth service were keen to be involved in a task and finish group to help set up the award.

Councillor Gwyn Roberts questioned how much it would cost and Cllr Neil Thomas said “about £100 plus a certificate”.

The task and finish group, which will feature four councillors and the Vale Youth Service, will now be set up and report back to the committee about what they will need financially