THE Youth Page in the Bridport News has been short-listed for a national award for promoting a positive image of young people in their community.

The Positive Images Award is presented by the National Youth Agency through the Young People Now magazine.

Senior youth worker for West Dorset Arthur Woodgate said: "Many people are surprised to learn that the Youth Page has been in existence for more than eight years.

"Though I'm generally credited with coming up with the idea, and it's true that I facilitated this work for a number of years, the suggestion for a youth page was in fact first made by the then police inspector, Tim Warren, at a town hall meeting of the Bridport Youth Assembly."

Mr Woodgate praised The News for the way it has worked with members of the Youth Page Editorial Board over the years, and went on to thank youth worker Keith Hatch for taking over the mantle of facilitator.

Mr Woodgate said: "Keith has brought continuity to this work that I could never manage, and that has made an obvious impact.

"I'm well aware that colleagues throughout and beyond the county are more than a little envious that we have a local community newspaper that has given young people the opportunity to speak for themselves.

"There are many things I love about this project, and one of the most important is that it continues to be open to absolutely any young person to get as involved as much or as little as they want to."

Holly Robinson, editor of the News, said: "We are delighted that the youngsters behind the Youth Page have been recognised for their efforts.

"It is important to us here at the News that we represent all of our readers and the Youth Page is a good way to find out and read about young people's views and experiences.

"We look forward to continuing the good work and helping the team build on their success."

The work of the editorial board was first rewarded in 2001 with the presentation of the Bridport Charter Award, and the news that they have now been short-listed for a national award has been greeted with great enthusiasm by current Youth Page members.