DETERMINATION and hard work are set to reward Debbie Griffin with a dream job. A year ago, 17-year-old Debbie, (pictured) who has muscular dystrophy, had no idea what she wanted to do and had no qualifications.

But the Bettws, Newport, youngster refused to give up and decided to try for a work placement and study for NVQs.

Employment agency Springfields offered her a chance to work at Cwmbran Centre for Young People and she hasn't looked back since.

Debbie said she was surprised at being nominated for the Argus Young and Positive initiative -which carries a first prize of £500 from sponsors Consignia.

She said: "I didn't know what I wanted to do after I left school so I was glad to come here, initially just for a few months.

"But now I have done loads of courses and I have an NVQ in business administration." But the best news of all came this week when Debbie was told that she could stay on at the centre for another year and work towards a modern apprenticeship.

She said: "I knew I didn't want to work in admin, that I wanted to work with young people, so this modern apprenticeship in caring for young people is just what I wanted - I'm so pleased and glad that I didn't give up 12 months ago.

"My mother was so pleased when I told her about the apprenticeship." Debbie was nominated by colleague Ania Oder, who said: "Since she came here Debbie has worked so hard and got on well with everyone - the staff and the people who use the centre.

"If you're looking for someone who is young and positive, I think Debbie fits that description."

l We want you to nominate teenagers (13-19 years old) who represent all that is good about young people today. They do not have to be heroes, geniuses or major achievers, although there is nothing to stop you nominating such individuals if you know any. But we are also looking for the ordinary kids from ordinary homes, who in some way do something positive that marks them out and makes them exceptional.

All we are looking for are teenagers whose behaviour is something to be proud of and makes them special in your eyes.