A teenager from Fleetwood has been named as the High Sheriff of Lancashire’s Young Citizen of the Year 2018.
Jessica Basquill, 17, topped a list of more than 65 young and inspiring people from across the county who have made a real difference in their community.
The announcement was made during a special award ceremony at Lancashire Police headquarters in Hutton. Jessica was praised by judges for her productive and supportive role as Wyre Youth Mayor.
The role has seen her raise more than £1500 for local charities, help with the re-launch of Wyre Skate project, run a local youth group and raise funds for new play equipment to for children living on the Mariners Close estate, after residents contacted her for support.
She has also attended a number of civic events, including laying a wreath at the Remembrance Day parade, and the Cleveleys Christmas Lights switch on.
Robert Webb, High Sheriff of Lancashire, said: “The aim of the Young Citizen of the Year Award is to promote the achievements of Lancashire’s young people, and to highlight the really valuable contribution they make to their local communities.
“This year we have had a lot of entries, nearly all of which are of a very high standard. I want to congratulate all the young people who were nominated – it is a great achievement which you should all be very proud of.
“When it came to the final selection the competition was serious, but the judging panel unanimously awarded the first prize to Jessica Basquill.
“Jess has demonstrated a commitment to her community across a wide range of activities: she is in her second term as Wyre Youth Mayor; she has led a number of fund-raising projects; and her initiative in developing the Mariners Close – Save the Park project has been most impressive.
“Through all these different activities she has demonstrated a passion for helping her community and especially young people, and is a worthy winner.
A panel of judges including the current High Sheriff, the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC); Joel Arber, Pro Vice-Chancellor from the University of Central Lancashire and the former High Sheriff Rodney Swarbrick, who initiated the award, also selected a second and third place.
Runner-up Sana Khan, 18, from Burnley, was congratulated for her work firstly as vice president and more recently as president of the student council at Thomas Whitham Sixth Form.
Outside college she has taken part in charity work with Pendleside Hospice and been a peer educator, teaching drugs and alcohol awareness to 11-19 year olds. She is raising money to travel to Senegal to teach English as part of Project Trust.
In third place was Jayden Whalley, 17, from Clitheroe, who was recognised for his community spirit supporting the Firefighters Charity. Jayden has contributed to raising more than £15,000 towards firefighters rehab centres. He also volunteers in the farming community.
Lancashire Constabulary’s Chief Constable, Andy Rhodes, said: “It is a great pleasure to host the Young Citizen of the Year Award here at our Headquarters in Hutton. I’ve been extremely impressed with the standard of entries.”
“I would like to personally congratulate the winner Jessica and runners up Sana and Jayden, who have shown real public spirit in giving up their time for the benefit of the community.”
“These young people have made a real impact with their work to support other young people, charities and our colleagues in the fire service. Their efforts are to be commended.”
Joel Arber, Pro Vice-Chancellor from the University of Central Lancashire added: “The Young Citizen of the Year Award shines a spotlight on the amazing work of young people from across Lancashire who do extraordinary things for others.
“The selfless commitment of time, energy and expertise to help individuals and communities less fortunate than themselves is a shining example to all of us of what being a good citizen is really all about.
“In improving the lives of so many different people through the shear breadth of her volunteering, Jessica is a worthy winner of this award.”
The High Sheriff Mr Webb added: “We should all celebrate the brilliant efforts that every nominee has made – all contributing to a better life for their communities.”
