Lancaster teenager celebrates Young Citizen award

A teenager from Lancaster has been named the High Sheriff of Lancashire's Young Citizen of the Year 2016.
Winner Philippa Richings with runner-up David Reid (left) and Adam Platt who was third.Winner Philippa Richings with runner-up David Reid (left) and Adam Platt who was third.
Winner Philippa Richings with runner-up David Reid (left) and Adam Platt who was third.

Philippa Richings, 18, topped a list of more than 50 young and inspiring people in the county who have made a real difference in their community.

Philippa was praised by judges for her work volunteering in mental health services, talking about her experiences and helping others.

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Amanda Parker, High Sheriff of Lancashire, said: “The Young Citizen of the Year Award promotes young people’s achievements, highlighting the valuable contribution they make to the communities in which they live.

“We were delighted with the number and variety of entrants for this year’s prize, but, following careful adjudication, felt Philippa was a worthy winner.

“She has helped those in the county’s mental health services, sharing her experiences and providing valuable insight into an issue which is coming more and more into the public domain.

“These awards are designed to celebrate the fantastic work young people like Philippa do every day.”

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Judges including the High Sheriff, former High Sheriff Rodney Swarbrick and representatives from sponsors BAE Systems and the Lancashire Partnership against Crime (LANPAC), also selected two people for second and third place.

Runner-up David Reid, 15, from Accrington, helped to secure funding for a £100,000 play area in Oswaldtwistle, while Adam Platt, 20, from Chorley, came third for his work as a first aid volunteer, blood bike dispatcher and efforts during the floods in Croston in December.

Ian Wood, Operations Director - Combat Air and Site Director at BAE Samlesbury, said: “We have had a wonderful collection of nominees for this year’s prize and in many ways they are all winners for all the hard work they do.

“However, we had to pick one Young Citizen of the Year and I am delighted Philippa has been recognised for the tremendous work she does sharing her knowledge in mental health.

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“I must also congratulate David and Adam, who have both shown themselves to be credits to their communities with their tireless efforts.”

All finalists attended a presentation ceremony at Lancashire Constabulary Headquarters in Hutton.

As winner, Philippa will receive £500 towards a project or charity of her choice plus a specially commissioned trophy and certificate from Lancashire’s High Sheriff and Lancashire Police’s Chief Constable Steve Finnigan.