Jack McConnell named as patron of Diana Award for young people

Former First Minister Jack McConnell has joined Prime Minister David Cameron as one of four patrons for the Diana Award.

The award was established in 1999, in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Lord McConnell accepted his new role during a visit to Menzies Distribution Centre in Linwood yesterday, where he met previous award winners. Menzies is the Diana Award's new corporate partner in Scotland.

Lord McConnell said: "It is a great honour to accept the position as patron for the Diana Award.

"There are thousands of youngsters in Scotland and across the UK who make a terrific contribution to their school, family and community. The Diana Award recognises their efforts and hopefully inspires them to continue making a contribution to society as adults.

"Diana, Princess of Wales believed that young people had the power to change the world, and I am looking forward to working with the other patrons to encourage as many young people as possible to play their part in creating a better society."

The Diana Award is working in partnership with Menzies Distribution to raise the award's profile and increase nominations in Scotland.

More than 3,000 young Scots have already been recognised by the Diana Award for making an outstanding contribution to their communities.

Maggie Turner OBE, chief executive of the Diana Award, said: "With a growing network of 33,000 award holders nationwide, we are building a force of young people who are committed to take social action and improve our communities."