FOURTEEN youngsters nominated for the first ever Falmouth Rotary Young Citizens Award were grilled by a panel of judges before police cadet Ty Gilbert was eventually chosen to take the title.

All of those nominated come from Falmouth and are of secondary school age. Their names were put forward after the Rotary Club approached Falmouth School and community groups such as local scouts and guides, sea cadets and theatre groups, inviting them to nominate someone.

Each of those who made the shortlist did so because of the voluntary work they do within the community, helping with projects and working with the disadvantaged. They were all invited to the council chamber to meet the judging panel, made up of mayor, John Body; Rotarian Janet Pearce and Henrietta Boex, a Rotarian and director of Falmouth Art Gallery. The candidates were invited to tell them about the work they do and answer questions.

After much deliberation by the judges, Ty Gilbert, a member of Falmouth's Police Cadets who had been nominated by PCSO Ellie Grey, was chosen to receive the award.

Mr Body said: "All the candidates go that extra mile to help others within the local community on a voluntary basis and I am very proud that Falmouth has so many committed and dedicated young people. Ty was the standout candidate whose contribution to Falmouth covers a diverse range of activities and organisations.”

Ty, 16, will now be put forward for the Rotary International Britain and Ireland National Young Citizens Award which carries a £500 prize to be given to a charity of the winners choice.

The other candidates who had been nominated for he award in Falmouth were Kellan Frankland, Charlotte Emsden, Andrew Tonkin, Emily Chiplin, Kirsty Noble, Katie Ashburn, Dominique Williams, Zoe Chetty, Eleanor Daniell, Cormac Miller, Ryan Lille, Anna Forety and Emma Duncan.