MPs representing constituencies across Hertfordshire have been adding their congratulations as an awards scheme that salutes outstanding young people enters its 10th year covering the whole of the county.

The 2015 Young People of the Year scheme has just been launched, after being piloted in Royston in 2004 and then spreading further south the following year.

Since 2006 the Yopey awards have covered the county, and have spread even further. There are now schemes covering a dozen English counties, London and the whole of Scotland.

North East Herts MP Sir Oliver Heald was at the first awards night, and said: “It has been an excellent initiative to celebrate the good qualities and selflessness of so many young people.

“We all need a pat on the back from time to time and this is a way of recognising young people’s achievements.”

This year there are two main ‘Oscars for young people’ to be presented – there will be a senior category for those aged 18 to 25 and a junior award for those aged 10 to 17.

There are cash prizes for winners and runners-up, which includes money to invest in their good causes as well as cash to treat themselves.

It will also be the first time that a joint awards ceremony will be held, with winners from Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire acclaimed at a single ceremony.

Tony said: “It’s about giving respect to young people who deserve it and setting them up as positive role model for other young people.”

This year’s scheme is sponsored by Mitsubishi Electric of Hatfield, Smith-Milne & Co accountants of Rickmansworth, Orange Amplification of Borehamwood, Johnson Matthey of Royston, and Runwood Homes with several care homes in Hertfordshire.

The awards are also supported by two housing associations, B3Living of Broxbourne and East Herts, and North Hertfordshire Homes.

Entries close on Thursday, April 30, and nominations can be made online at www.yopey.org.

You can also send a self-addressed envelope to Woodfarm Cottage, Bury Road, Stradishall, Newmarket CB8 8YN, for an entry form.