Kirsty's reward idea is hit with police

By pjames

A TOTNES schoolgirl has persuaded police to hand out 'fixed reward notices' to Bay youngsters who do good work in the community.

Sixteen-year-old KEVICC student Kirsty Ogborne pricked police consciences when she suggested bobbies issue 'fixed penalty notices in reverse'.

Senior officers liked her bright, positive idea so much they will now be awarding vouchers to the worthy allowing them free goods from High Street shops or free entry to a range of local tourist attractions.

The scheme — known as motiv8 — will see youngsters given tickets if they are 'caught' carrying out a good deed, such as picking up litter or helping someone.

They will then be considered for a shop or attraction award together with a certificate from the police recognising their good deeds.

Kirsty submitted the idea to the police stand at last year's Devon County Show where the constabulary asked young people to come up with initiatives to promote 'pro-social behaviour in the community'.

She won a laptop for her idea.

Now she will see her suggestion adopted across Torbay as well as being officially launched this weekend by street dance group Flava who starred in ITV's Britain's Got Talent.

A delighted Kirsty said: "I was really shocked when I found out I had won the competition. I never expected my idea to win, let alone be put into practice. I thought it would be good for the police to give out rewards rather than just fines."

Torbay Policing Commander Superintendent Chris Singer said: "This is a fantastic idea which came from a young person.

"I'm really pleased we have been able to introduce it in Torbay. Young people often get a bad press but young people do a lot of good things and this is a great way of recognising that."

Flava will be appearing at R Nite, a popular Torbay youth event on February 28, to talk about the positive aspects of street dance and teach one of their dance routines to dozens of youngsters.

The group recently received an honorary award from the Philip Lawrence Awards for their outstanding contribution to the community.

R Nite takes place at Paignton's Torbay Leisure Centre this Saturday between 6pm and 8pm. It's open to young people in the Bay aged 11 to 19. Limited tickets are available for the dance workshop from schools and R Nite organisers.

Cllr Anna Tolchard, Torbay Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "We are very supportive of this great idea to inspire and reward young people for their contribution to the community.

"We have plenty of positive young role models in the Bay, and I am pleased that their good work is being recognised."

She added: "R Nite is a regular event for young people in Torbay, and is a perfect platform for launching motiv8."

Rewards have been donated by AMF Bowling, Apollo Cinemas, Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts, Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway and Kents Cavern.

To find out more about motiv8 and how to support the scheme go to www.yrspace.info