Festival gives young a chance to shine.

THE Shine festival is taking place in schools, organisations and communities across the country throughout the week.

Shine was first held last year and is the first national festival of its kind, celebrating all talents in all young people.

Events during Shine week will take place in schools, communities and youth organisations working with young people across the region.

Shine is a special celebration of what already happens all year in schools and youth organisations. It aims to focus national attention on all that is best in young people and celebrate all the talents of every student.

A number of well-known people from the worlds of sport, film, television and music have become Shine ambassadors.

Singer Ms Dynamite attended the national launch. She said: "Young people are too often in the spotlight for negative reasons, yet there are far more doing the right thing than there are doing wrong. Every young person has a talent and should be supported and encouraged to develop it. We want adults to help ignite that spark."

Teachers and young people are being encouraged to sign-up to take part in the Shine festival via the website, www.shineweek.co.uk