A HARPENDEN schoolboy has been nominated for an award for the work he does to combat bullying.

A HARPENDEN schoolboy has been nominated for an award for the work he does to combat bullying.

Thirteen-year-old Rory Glass, from Wheathampstead, has been nominated for the Citygate Hertfordshire Young People of the Year (YOPEY) awards by fellow classmate Oliver Turberville.

The competition rewards young people who give to others and nominees are in with a chance of winning part of a �2,000 prize pot, which has been put up by sponsors.

Said Rory: “It’s great that Oliver nominated me. There’s a lot of bad press about teenagers but the vast majority are really nice people.”

Rory, who attends Sir John Lawes School, is an anti-bullying mentor who gives advice and guidance to fellow pupils who have been bullied.

He has also trained to be a cyberbullying mentor to combat bullying via mobile phones or social networking sites.

Rory said: “I am aware that bullying can happen and it’s horrible for the victims. I just want to help them.”

His work around the school also led to Rory becoming form and year representative on the school council.

Rory’s head of year Mark Rowe said: “Rory is an outstanding member of the school community and an amazing role model to others.”

Outside of school, Rory is a member of the Herts Phoenix Athletics Club at Welwyn Garden City and is one of the youngest Army Cadets at his detachment in Harpenden.

In the future he wants to join the army and be an officer in the infantry because he wants to make the world a better place.

YOPEY founder Tony Gearing said: “Rory obviously cares for his school colleagues and the community. It is inspiring to see such a young person live an active life and want to help their fellow citizens.

“All credit to his friend Oliver as well for nominating him. It’s fantastic to see one child recognising another’s good citizenship.”

To nominate a young person, aged between 10 and 25, for a YOPEY visit www.yopey.org or send an SAE to YOPEY, PO Box 236, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 1DP for an entry form.

Young people can nominate themselves and entries close on July 31.