Here's how Dacorum teenagers with bright ideas for their communities could win £20,000 prize

Teenagers in Hertfordshire with bright ideas for their communities are being encouraged to apply for a new £20,000 Bright Future Prize - to help them change the world around them for the better.

An initiative from Ardonagh Community Trust (ACT), the charity arm of the parent company that owns insurance firm Towergate.

Rob Pollard, Area Director explained: “The charity is looking for 15-19-year olds who are the next generation of community leaders, charity fundraisers, blue-sky thinkers or social activists.

"The Bright Future Prize is open to young people across the UK and Ireland who are passionate about, and actively working to make a difference in a community of their choice.

“Young people see the world differently, and their innovative ideas can help impact positive change for the future. It’s this ingenuity that ACT wants to support, opening up opportunities for young people who are already making positive waves in their communities.

“You could have a great idea for your own social enterprise supporting a charitable cause, you might have a community project in mind, maybe you want to raise money for a specific charity - or maybe you want to learn more and teach more about making a difference."

Applications for the Bright Future Prize are now open until Friday, May 21. There are small grants alongside the £20,000 main prize available for the best ideas, and winners will get support to put them into motion.