THE finalists for Richmondshire's Citizenship Awards have been announced, with community champions from across the district represented on the shortlist.

The awards are run by Richmondshire District Council, supported by the Darlington & Stockton Times, to celebrate the huge amount of work that Richmondshire residents do for their community. They were held for the first time in 2007, and proved so successful they are being run again this year.

Like last year, Citizenship Awards are given in four categories, for volunteers, community initiatives, young people and entrepreneurs.

The overall winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the annual State of the District Debate, on Wednesday at 6.30pm at Wensleydale School. Entrance is free and refreshments will be available.

Volunteer of the Year The award is for anyone who volunteers their time for other people, causes or organisations in any way, shape or form. The shortlist includes: A Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for many years, Sheila McLaren has given a great deal to her local community in Colburn. She is also heavily involved with rescuing animals, and works as an RSPCA volunteer.

She was nominated by a local police community support officer, who wrote: "She never ceases to amaze me with her kindness and helpfulness she is always willing to help anyone and has a heart of gold."

The Station in Richmond which, through the Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust, won a Citizenship Award last year has gone from strength to strength. Although it's very much a team effort, Donald Cline received a number of nominations in this category, for his "ongoing and apparently unceasing work" for the project.

Anyone who enjoys bowls has reason to thank Arthur Strickland, who, at the age of 87, has voluntarily maintained Richmond's public bowling green for years. Thanks to his efforts, Richmond Bowls Club has a fantastic playing surface, and one that is the envy of many visiting teams.

There simply isn't enough room to list all the projects in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale that Keith Allen has given his time to support. Suffice to say, he has been involved with Reeth Community Orchard Group, Hudson House Ltd, Reeth and District Community Transport, the Reeth and District Gazette, Connecting the Upper Dales, and much more. His nomination was supported by people from these organisations and the whole community.

Community Initiative The Community Initiative award recognises groups of people who have come together to solve a problem or respond to an opportunity which has benefited their local community. The shortlisted four are: When police officers asked youngsters in Richmondshire what activities they would like to try, the message was clear boxing. Set up with police help just six months ago, the Joint Amateur Boxing Scheme, JABS, already has 34 members and five coaches, all of whom give their time freely.

Another police-supported project, the Richmondshire Area Motorcycle Project, RAMP, is now two years old, and has taught a large number of young people about road safety and the use of motorcycles. Set up in response to the frequent misuse of off-road motorcycles, RAMP is run by officers who volunteer their own time for the project.

The community in Leyburn came together to re-open the former Elite cinema, which had closed last year. The nomination for the Leyburn Arts Centre recognises all the hard work the group put in to the project.

Self-described "like-minded luvvies", members of Reeth Artyfacts first came together in 2006 to stage a pantomime dating back to 1949 whose script had almost been thrown out with the rubbish. Since then, the group has staged numerous sell-out performances and even appeared on television. Proceeds are used to fund future productions and support local charities.

Young Person of the Year Anyone up to the age of 25 who has positively contributed to their community is eligible. Two have been shortlisted: At just 16 years old, Stephen Wilson is one of the Georgian Theatre Royal's youngest and keenest volunteers. He does everything from selling ice creams in the foyer to staffing the box office. An adept technician, audiences at a recent performance by Black Umfolosi had particular reason to be grateful, after he fixed a sound problem just hours before a full house entered the auditorium.

Described as an inspiration for young people with learning difficulties, Harry Andrew Lindley, 20, has notched up more than 500 hours as a Millennium Volunteer for charities including Help the Aged, the Friarage hospital shop and the British Red Cross. This summer, Harry, of Brompton on Swale, attended a Royal garden party at Buckingham Palace with the Prince of Wales to celebrate the anniversary of the Centenary Charter of the British Red Cross.

Entrepreneur of the Year The Entrepreneur award is to celebrate individuals who have, through their business endeavours, made a significant contribution to the local economy. There are two couples on the shortlist: A textbook example of how to expand a successful business, Droy Metalworks has gone from strength to strength in recent months. Based on the Gallowfields Trading Estate, the business, run by David and Lesley Droy, specialises in bespoke wrought ironwork. It moved to larger premises earlier this year, and since then business has gone up quarter-to-quarter by 200 per cent.

In the wake of foot-and-mouth disease, Maria and Andrew Henshaw have built up a thriving business selling meat they produce on Mainsgill Farm, East Layton, from their farm shop. It has since expanded into a shop selling other local produce, such as organic vegetables and cheese, and its restaurant is a popular stop for motorists on the A66.