Taking part in the awards

One group committed to entering the awards is the Bluntisham PARC Project.

Managed by charity Young Lives, the project involves youngsters in decision-making and development processes that take place in rural parts of the county.

For the past 18 months, 10 young people have been regularly attending fortnightly meetings to discuss village issues with councillors and other adults.

The meeting also allows youngsters to suggest events and activities they would like to see in Bluntisham, not just for young people, but also for the wider community.

They set the agenda for the meetings, and take on the tasks before reporting on their activities to the parish council.

All the young people involved give up their time voluntarily and are extremely committed to making village life in Bluntisham better for everyone, not just their peers, through the events and activities they have organised.

To date they have given the village of Bluntisham a sponsored walk, a quiz night, a community fun day, a Hallowe'en disco, a pamper evening and have been awarded funding from the Local Network Fund for art, drama and sports projects.

In addition, following requests from members of the community for another fun day, the group has just been granted £2,000 from Huntingdonshire Youth Bank to organise a similar event which will build on the successes of last year.

And because of the positive contribution they have been making to their community, the group has decided to enter this year's Community Life Awards.

Alice Bullock, youth champion for Bluntisham, said: "We're really pleased to be entering this award. Even if we don't win our category, it's good to have a go."

INFORMATION: For more details about the Bluntisham PARC Project please contact alicebullock2002@hotmail.com or katie@young-lives.org.uk