Junior citizens celebrated in West Berkshire

Robert Conway, from Newbury, has been announced as West Berkshire's junior citizen of the year

AMONG some outstanding feats of endeavour, bravery and charity, West Berkshire's Junior Citizen of the Year has been chosen.

This year's winner, announced at a ceremony at the West Berkshire Council Market Street building on Tuesday, was Robert Conway, aged 16, from Newbury.

Robert has volunteered at West Berkshire MENCAP for the last two years, and such has been his efforts he has recently been hired to join the paid staff.

He still volunteers and manages his sixth-form studies and other commitments, including helping out after school and during the school holidays, arranging entertainment for the school youth club and Gateway at West Berkshire MENCAP.

Highly commended was six-year-old Iona Hind from Newbury, whose smile lit up the council chamber as her name was read out.

She was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 14 months old, but despite this has worked towards independence at school by walking with a minimal support walking frame, gaining motor control to write and responding to challenges.

Her splints often cause her pain and discomfort but the judges were told that she did not use it as an excuse to stop working and improving.

Iona was nominated by the school staff at the Keevil Unit at Speenhamland School, who said she was an excellent role model for children and adults alike.

Also highly commended was Cameron Smith, aged 16, from Newbury who was adjudged to have successfully resurrected the enthusiasm and conviction of Newbury Young Peoples Council.

He was elected as Junior Mayor of Newbury in February and has since initiated new relations with the Royal British Legion, which culminated in a celebration of their 90th Anniversary at Newbury College. He has also made strong links with the Berkshire Association of Clubs for Young People (BACYP) and is trying to organise a youth music festival involving every secondary school in Newbury.