It’s time to start working on your entries for this year’s Crimebeat Awards.

The 2012/13 competition has been revamped and features a larger age-range, two separate categories, bigger prizes and a slightly different judging structure.

Groups of young people aged between 5 and 25 can enter this year’s competition, which is split into two categories:

1. Groups independently developed and run by young people.

2. Groups set-up by an adult and run by young people.

The aim of the competition is to come up with a project which benefits the community and helps to reduce or prevent crime.

Groups are required to submit their entry to the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, who will then decide whether to support the submission. If you are successful, you must then send your entry to the national competition, with a letter of support from the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire.

When considering whether to support your proposal the High Sheriff may wish to visit your project.

Sergeant Will Eastwood, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Crimebeat is a fantastic competition and a great way for young people to make a real difference in the community. The competition is open to everyone from schools and youth groups to scouts and faith groups and other local community organisations.

“If you would like to get involved, I would urge you to start working on your projects and entries straight away so that you don’t miss out.”

It is anticipated that the closing date for entries will be at the beginning of November.

There will be a county awards ceremony for the selected county finalists, with the winners entering the National competition.

The winners of both categories of the National Competition will be invited to London to receive their awards at a special ceremony which will be followed by an open top bus tour of the city and a ride on the London Eye.

In each category, there is a first prize of £1,000, second prize of £750 and third prize of £500.

In 2010 the North Yorkshire entry went on to win the National Championships when 16 year-old twins from Scarborough, established a programme to raise the awareness of girls aged between 14 & 18 to help protect them against the possibility of rape.

They used statistics and facts not familiar to this age group as well as providing advice to teenagers on getting home safely at night. Their approach to the project impressed the Judges and earned North Yorkshire the top prize.

Last year the North Yorkshire entry came third with probably the first primary school to reach the national finals.

For more information about the National Crimebeat Awards and details of how to apply visit www.national-crimebeat.org.uk.