Youngsters can often be unfairly given a bad reputation.

But this week kind-hearted children from across our area have been making sure they are in the news for all the right reasons.

Best friends Rosie Candler, eight, Isabella Lewis, nine, and Emi Rayner, eight, all worked together to raise £3,000 for charity.

Taking part in the annual swimathon inspired them to collect the money which will now be donated to Marie Curie and Cancer Research UK.

Not content with the mammoth amount they have already raised, they will have a stall at Halstead’s May Day celebrations to collect even more.

We hope the whole town will get behind their fundraising efforts.

Acknowledgement should also go to sisters Ava and Orla Brobyn, aged 11 and eight.

The duo have decided to raise money for St Clare Hospice after their father Conor began receiving palliative care for a terminal brain tumour.

The girls have turned a devastating situation into something to help others.

With the help of their school friends at St Margaret’s Prep School, in Gosfield, they have raised an incredible £3,000 which they have handed over to the hospice.

Their determination to help the hospice does them great credit and shows the strength of young people.

Teenagers have also been making sure their voice is heard by taking part in a public speaking competition.

Pupils from schools across the district gave impassioned talks to a panel of judges for Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge.

It is important our young people have a voice and feel heard.