THE finalists in contention for the Clackmannanshire Young Citizen of the Year accolade have been announced.

Rebecca and Jessica Gray, Brendan Iliff, Chloe Lemaitre and Cross Skills have all made the short-list, with the winner set to be announced during a ceremony at the Speirs Centre on Thursday 5 March.

Provost Tina Murphy said: “It is pleasing to see the wide range of impressive achievements of our young people and I look forward to announcing the winner on the night.” Rebecca and Jessica Gray are members of local youth forum Clacks Youth Voice, they volunteer within the Clackmannanshire Council Youth Service and Rebecca also helps Sports Development and Hawkhill Community Association.

The girls are valued volunteers within youth services and have developed and delivered programmes for young members within the community.

Brendan Iliff has had to overcome a lot of difficulties, helping care for his young sister whilst his brother was seriously ill, and has raised nearly £500 for Yorkhill Hospital where his brother was treated.

Chloe Lemaitre is a volunteer for Cross Skills, a youth services project which aims to bring young people and older adults within the community together to share skills and provide support for one another.

She assists young adults on a weekly basis to develop their IT skills, is a dedicated and committed volunteer and is a real inspiration and role model to other youngster.

Cross Skills is made up of a group of young people who volunteer their time for the project, which involves an exchange of skills including providing guidance and advice with new technology and ongoing support.

Young Citizen of the Year 2013 was Kristy McQuater, who was chosen for combining school, family responsibilities, working and volunteering her time for a number of local organisations.