A FINCHINGFIELD teenager who spends a lot of her time helping younger girls and raising money for community causes has been nominated for Essex Police Young People of the Year. Esther Pilgrim has raised thousands of pounds over the years for her local ch

A FINCHINGFIELD teenager who spends a lot of her time helping younger girls and raising money for community causes has been nominated for Essex Police Young People of the Year.

Esther Pilgrim has raised thousands of pounds over the years for her local church and other causes.

The 14-year was nominated by proud mum Sarah for all the volunteering that she does, which includes the Guide movement.

Esther said she likes helping the young Rainbows and Brownies and she also enjoys the work with the puppets which are used to illustrate songs.

"I always wanted to do the sponsored bike round which goes around a number of churches," she said. "I don't like sporting activity, but I do like cycling, particularly this ride.

"I'm very pleased to have raised �3000 over the years to help the church. It's a big rush to do the concert on the same night but I get a buzz out of it.

"I'm very busy in my spare time but thankfully mum and dad drive me around which helps."

Yopey founder, Tony Gearing, said: "Esther is certainly a very busy young person, putting her spare time to excellent positive use by helping other youngsters and raising money for her church and other good causes."

Esther is now in with a chance of winning the �1000 top prize from a prize pot of �2300 put up by Essex Police and other sponsors, including Runwood Homes for the elderly.

Second place will win �500, third �250 and there will be a Junior Yopey winning �250. There will also be several �50 runners-up prizes.

The Essex Police Yopey - which looks to recognise positive role models in the younger generation - is in its third year.

Logon to www.yopey.org to find out more.