Valley School pupil Daniel Cook has been put forward for a SkillsTrain Young People of the Year award and named as a ‘model’ student.

Viv Cook, who is the pastoral support manager at the Valley Road school, put the 13-year-old forward for the award.

“Daniel has general learning difficulties which would normally make him an easy target for bullying but he is so kind and caring that all his teachers and peers love him,” she said.

He likes to grow fruit and vegetables at a greenhouse at his South Parade home and when he has extra produce, he gives them to Sir Edmund Hillary Primary School, which he used to attend, as well as to neighbours and friends.

“Daniel loves to help people and will go to great lengths to do this. He was also involved in raising money for guide dogs,” added Viv.

The contest is the brainchild of Tony Gearing, a former national newspaper journalist and father-of-two, who grew tired of the ‘bad press’ young people receive.

He founded YOPEY to recognise and reward young unsung heroes - like Daniel - to inspire others to give to the community.

“Sadly, too many adults today believe the headlines sum up young people, and that the role models for today’s youth are binge-drinking, drug-taking, violent hoodies,” he said.

“The truth is only a minority are anti-social, so YOPEY puts fantastic young people in the headlines so that they can be positive role models.”

Coun Joyce Bosnjak, who is Notts County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “What Daniel is doing for the community is lovely. We want to hear about more young people like him from all over Notts.”

As a nominee, Daniel is in with a chance of winning a cash prize in a competition with £2,000 to give to young people, aged 10-25, who are positive role models.

His proud mum Elaine said: “Daniel does like to grow things at home, and he does love to share them when we have too many.”

To nominate a young person for Young People of the Year in Notts visit www.yopey.org

Anyone can apply – including young people themselves. Entries must be aged between 10-25, live, work or study in Notts and be a true inspiration to those around them, whether at home or abroad.

l Applications can also be made by post. Send an SAE to Young People of the Year, PO Box 103, Hare Street, Ware, Herts SG9 0XD, for an entry form.