Citizen awards for 'inspirational' children

The West Berkshire Council Junior Citizen Award was launched in September 2012 and nominations were judged by an independent panel representing the district’s business community, voluntary sector and church.
The panel selected an overall winner and two highly commended nominations, while a special mention certificate was also presented to one nominee.
St Bartholomew's School, Newbury, pupil, Victoria Moxon was crowned junior citizen of the year for her volunteer work with the Royal British Legion.
The 14-year-old recently won the county competition for standard bearers and carried the Newbury British Legion Standard on Remembrance Day this year.
“I didn’t think I would receive the award when I was nominated for it,” Victoria said. “People do a lot more than I do so this award is really for them.”
Highly commended awards were also presented to Denise Harris of East Woodhay and JJ Hine of Purley on Thames.
Denise, aged 11, helps people with learning difficulties during her volunteer work with West Berkshire Mencap.
As well as her volunteer work, the John O'Gaunt Community Technology College, Hungerford, pupil is also a keen fundraiser for both Mencap and the British Heart Foundation.
“I was really excited when I found out I would be receiving this award,” Denise said.
Meanwhile, following a period in hospital in 2009, JJ decided to start fundraising for the Ronald McDonald House Charity, which provides free accommodation for families of patients in hospitals and hospices.
Over the last few years the 14-year-old Denefield School, Tilehurst, pupil has raised an astonishing £15,000 for the charity.
The judges felt that JJ's long-term commitment to fundraising was over and above that of most young people of his age.
He said: “You don’t do good work for the recognition but it’s nice to be recognised and that people can see you’re helping the community.”
A special mention' certificate was also given to nine-year-old Georgina Blandford of Greenham.
Georgina, who attends The Willows School, Newbury, helps a younger pupil with medical needs on a daily basis.
“This has been a big opportunity for me,” Georgina said. “There are lots of other people that could have won the award so I’m very pleased.”
The judges were very impressed with Georgina's caring attitude to others and her commitment in helping her fellow pupil every day.
Chairman of West Berkshire Council, Adrian Edwards said: "The entries were very strong and it is lovely to see so many young people in West Berkshire making a conscious effort to help others.
“These young people are excellent role models and an inspiration for other young people within the district."