Young consumer of the year

For the previous two years, Derbyshire County Council Trading Standards have offered schools the opportunity to take part in a national consumer quiz competition organised by the Trading Standards Institute.

In 2007 Heanor Gate Science College and Netherthorpe School represented Derbyshire in the East Midlands Regional competition.

Chris Townsend, the Deputy Headteacher of Netherthorpe School told us "the quiz gave impetus to do lots of research into the issues involved and in that way was excellent for Citizenship classes. It was also lots of fun".

Heanor Gate College won the East Midlands competitions and was awarded a £50 voucher per student, a trophy and an all expenses paid two night stay in Manchester to compete in the national competition. At that competition the prizes were awarded by Coronation Street actress Samia Smith who spent time chatting with the teams.

This year Heanor Gate will again represent Derbyshire in the regional competition along with Heritage Community School from Clowne. The winners will compete in the national final in Bournemouth in June during the Trading Standards Conference. Again, all the team's expenses will be paid and a variety of activities will be arranged for the participants. The prizes for the national champions are £1,000 for their school, individual vouchers, a trophy and medals. In addition, the sponsors provide runner up prizes for the rest of the teams. The competition received media interest and last year a student from Heanor Gate spoke live on Radio Derby about his experience of the event.

The preparation for the 2008/2009 competition will start this summer. Young people aged 14 to 17 are invited to take part in teams of four. Teams will face a wide range of consumer affairs related questions which are designed to make them aware of their rights as consumers and to help them develop personal life skills. The competition covers five main subject areas which link in to the curriculum.

Examples of actual questions asked in the competition are available on the This is Money (opens in a new window) website.

If you have any questions regarding the event and national competition please email trading.standards@derbyshire.gov.uk