DAY in and day out in newspapers and on TV we read and see plenty about teenagers - but sadly much of it cannot be categorised as good news.

Stories of vandalism, rowdiness, drinking to excess and even drug taking have become part of our daily news diet along with the efforts of police and other agencies to combat them.

Even when youngsters shun any temptation to stray on to the wrong side of the law, they might be forgiven for wondering what they have to do to earn praise.

They study hard at school and college to achieve good grades at GCSE and A level only to hear national pundits belittle their efforts by saying that this year's exams are much easier than they have ever been before. Today young people aged 16 or under and those who know them have a chance to change all that.

For the latest Pride of East Lancashire Award we are searching for East Lancashire's Young Volunteers who use their free time to help others.

The award, sponsored by TDS Promethean, will recognise and celebrate the dedication and initiative of young people who put something back into their local communities.

They might involved in environmental and charity work, helping the elderly or others less fortunate than themselves.

Let's hear about all those young people who really deserve a pat on the back.

Thisislancashire's special Pride of East Lancashire section...