Preston teen named Lancashire’s Young Citizen of the Year

A 15-year-old girl from Preston has been named as Lancashire’s Young Citizen of the Year.

Lucie Grove topped the list of over 40 young and inspiring people who have made a significant difference in their communities over the last year. She was presented with the award at a ceremony held last night (Thursday 12th February) at Lancashire Police Headquarters, Hutton.

Presenting Lucie with her prize was Lancashire Police Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett, High Sheriff of Lancashire, James Carter DL, and Russell Millhouse from University of Lancashire.

Lucie, 15, from Preston won the award for playing a pivotal role in the Youth Ambassadors Intergenerational Social Action Programme, a partnership between Places for People, Mill Bank, and Foxton Youth & Community. Bringing together ten young women for the first time, the programme aimed to bridge generational gaps and create social impact.

Lucie became a strong ambassador for young people, particularly young women, inspiring confidence, resilience, and teamwork. Her influence extended across seven Preston schools, with staff reporting positive change among students.

Lucie’s leadership, resilience, and compassion have strengthened community ties, empowered vulnerable young women, and created lasting local impact.

The judging panel also selected a second and third place.

Millie Rooney, 18, from Burnley was runner-up.

Thousands of children in Lancashire have a parent in prison, yet there is no statutory system to identify or support them. Using her own lived experience, Millie has become a national youth advocate for this overlooked group.

On 25th November 2025, Millie travelled to London to speak at the Parental Imprisonment Lived Experience Conference, marking the first National Children with a Parent in Prison Day. Addressing over 100 policymakers, Ministers, MPs, professionals, and academics, she shared a powerful, strengths‑based account of overcoming adversity. Her insights helped inform future approaches to supporting affected children and directly influenced policymakers working to deliver Labour’s manifesto commitment in this area.

In third place was Leon Molloy, 16, from Preston.

Leon has made a significant and lasting contribution to his community through his involvement in Targeted Youth Support (TYS) in Preston. He played a key role in planning and delivering a Disability Pride event, supporting logistics and confidently taking on a public‑facing role. His presentation and speech were powerful and emotive, creating an inclusive space that celebrated disabled young people and amplified their voices. Leon also completed a 21‑mile sponsored walk for Young Minds, raising funds and awareness for young people’s mental health. Participation in residentials at Borwick Hall further demonstrated his resilience as he overcame personal fears and pushed beyond his comfort zone.

James Carter DL, High Sheriff of Lancashire said: “The High Sheriff of Lancashire’s Young Citizen Award is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the amazing achievement of some of Lancashire’s young people in their communities. There were more than 40 nominations and trying to choose 3 winners was a very difficult task. Lancashire has a fabulous record of people undertaking essential voluntary work. As a great advocate for our young people, it makes me very proud to see the next generation of community minded volunteers showing their dedication and sacrifice. They should all be congratulated and I wish also to give a huge thank you to those who have made the effort to nominate them.”

Professor Graham Baldwin DL, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Lancashire said: “The University has been proud to champion the Young Citizen of the Year Awards for many years, and it’s a pleasure to join the High Sheriff of Lancashire and LANPAC in honouring the incredible young people creating meaningful change throughout the county. Warmest congratulations to Lucie, Millie and Leon, as well as to all those nominated – the compassion, dedication and uplifting influence you bring to your communities is inspiring the next generation of Lancashire talent.”

Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett said: “Many congratulations to Lucie who is this year’s deserved winner, and to Millie and Leon who were worthy runners-up. I am proud to celebrate the achievements of so many remarkable young people across Lancashire. Their commitment, kindness, and the meaningful contributions they make to their communities are truly outstanding.

“It is a privilege to be part of the Young Citizen of the Year Awards. Each year, the standard of nominations continues to exceed our expectations. Lancashire is home to many inspirational young people, and recognising their efforts in this way is both important and deeply rewarding.”

Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire said: "These awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the positive impact so many young people have in Lancashire's communities, with their hard work and dedication showing the very best of Lancashire.

"The power of community spirit, volunteering and looking out for one another should never be undervalued. These people are the bedrock of our neighbourhoods and it's absolutely right we take the time to celebrate them in ways like the Young Citizen Awards."