Red Cross looking for young superheroes

The British Red Cross are searching for real life young superheroes across the country.  The 2010 Humanitarian Citizen Awards celebrate valuable contributions young people make to the lives of others, and the British Red Cross are accepting nominations up until Friday 23 July.

Robin Wells, British Red Cross youth development co-ordinator, said: "In a time when there are often negative images of young people, we want to celebrate their ingenuity and generosity. The Red Cross Humanitarian Citizen Awards are a chance to reward these young people and give them the recognition they deserve."

To be considered for an award, nominees must be under 25 years old and must have done "something extraordinary to help others."  The competition has four categories: volunteering, first aid, fundraising, and community action.  Last years winners included Post Pals founder Vikki George from Surrey, who we featured in a previous article. Post Pals send cards, gifts and letters to seriously ill children through the website Vikki created.  Other winners were Beat Ambassadors, a group from Norwich who help young people with eating disorders, and there was a nomination for a three-year-old girl who helps her epileptic mother - showing that every contribution counts.

The awards ceremony will take place in November and a panel of young people, including winners from previous years, will judge the awards.

Robin Wells said: "These awards recognise the amazing things that young people do to help others. They may not wear masks or a cape, but their selfless actions have a real impact and help to make the world a better place."

If you know someone who deserves the 2010 Humanitarian Citizens Award, you're interested in the opportunities for young people the British Red Cross has to offer, or you just want to check out their video, click here.