THE Royston and Buntingford Young People of the Year Award could be in jeopardy unless a sponsor can save the day. The award, which started last year, has since spread to other towns in the area, but Tony Gearing, who started the award, said he is one

THE Royston and Buntingford Young People of the Year Award could be in jeopardy - unless a sponsor can save the day. The award, which started last year, has since spread to other towns in the area, but Tony Gearing, who started the award, said he is "one sponsor away" from holding a second contest in Royston. He said: "That main sponsor is proving elusive." Royston's mayor Cllr Bill Prime said: "This is a wonderful project that is doing so much good for the image of young people today. It would be a terrible shame if it didn't continue in the town where it started." Mr Gearing said he had the idea for the contest to show the positive side of young people while a member of the Royston and District Round Table. He has since become too old to be a member of the Round Table, but has taken the idea with him to develop as a social enterprise. He said: "I'm happy to do another one in Royston and Buntingford on a not-for-profit basis." So far, the Round Table has agreed to host another awards ceremony with financial support from Royston company Building Environmental Services, Melbourn-based technology company TTP and Royston accountants Hardcastle Burton. "We still need a main sponsor after whom the competition will be named," said Mr Gearing. "One or two companies in Royston have shown interest, but so far none has committed and we're running out of time. Any company that does support it will be investing in the community and we can use it as part of its corporate social responsibility." Last year's Young Person of the Year Award was won by Katherine James, of Meldreth, for her volunteer work at Meldreth Manor School. If you would like to help or to find out more, call 0845 838 2640 or visit the website at www.yopey.org