A top children’s TV producer is spearheading a search for young heroes.
Nia Ceidiog is fronting the campaign launched by the Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham to find Summer Stars who deserve a big pat on the back.
The winners will be honoured with their names being inscribed at a Hollywood-style Walk of Fame at the shopping centre.
BAFTA winner Nia, who was brought up in Coedpoeth and went to Ysgol Morgan Llwyd, wrote the original Fireman Sam stories in English and Welsh and has a long list of credits including the popular series, Something Special, for CBeebies.
Nia was delighted to back the Summer Stars initiative that’s being organised to coincided with the children’s activities at Eagles Meadow over the summer holidays.
The activities will include visits by popular television characters like Paddington on August 4, Shaun the Sheep on August 11, Spongebob Squarepants on August 18 and The Gruffalo on August 25.
The winning Summer Hero will receive a £25 voucher from The Entertainer toy shop, family tickets for Tenpin and the Odeon and a voucher for a family meal at Frankie and Benny’s worth £50 and a voucher worth up to £30 from Nando’s. Meanwhile, the runner up will receive family tickets for the Odeon and Tenpin along with a voucher for a family meal at Frankie and Benny’s worth £50.
Nia explained the qualities the judges would be looking for.
She said: “Maybe they look out for an elderly neighbour or play an important role in their local church, community centre or youth club. Or maybe they are a rising sports star.
“Whatever their shining example to their peer group is, we want to hear about it.”
Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths is also backing the idea.
She said: “I think the search for Summer Stars is a great idea and could help give some local youngsters the boost they need.
“There’s bags of talent among the youngsters of Wrexham and I feel sure there will be some very worthy nominees.
“I would urge everyone to have a good think about the young people in their communities who deserve a pat on the back either for the work they do, the troubles they have overcome or for simply being a good example to their peers and get nominating now.”
Eagles Meadow manager Kevin Critchley said: “It may be that the young person you know raises money for charity on a regular basis or volunteers to help people in their neighbourhood.
“Perhaps they play an active part in their local church or youth centre. Or maybe they are a rising sports star who is dedicated beyond their years to their training.
“Perhaps they have battled illness with bravery and good humour. Whatever their shining example to their peer group is, we want to hear about it.”
To enter a young person you know, aged 11 and under, please email a short description of the nominee along with your contact details, including a daytime telephone number, to [email protected] Entries should be received by Friday, July 31.
