91Èȱ¬

Inspirational teenagers will be celebrated in a major two-week initiative on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 1 this winter with a series of The Surgery specials, culminating in the station's first-ever Teen Awards.

In November, The Surgery's Aled Haydn Jones will front a series of specials looking at the lives of a number of teenagers from across the United Kingdom who inspire others.

Following the fortnight of special programmes, Radio 1 will hold the inaugural 91Èȱ¬ Radio 1 Teen Awards, at Hammersmith Apollo in London, with awards for Teen Heroes* to recognise outstanding contributions by young people in the UK (as nominated by the station's audience) being presented alongside the awards for the top stars from the music and entertainment world in 2010.

The star-studded event is set to feature performances from some of the biggest music stars in the teen world.

A massive multiplatform event for the 91Èȱ¬, the awards ceremony is to be broadcast on both Radio 1 and on 91Èȱ¬ Three, plus extensive online content will complement the coverage.

Ben Cooper, Deputy Controller, Radio 1, says: "There's often a negative perception about teenagers, so these awards will celebrate some of the amazing and positive achievements of young people in the UK."

Already this year, Radio 1 has delivered impactful social action campaigns around volunteering and body image.

Radio 1 is available on FM, DAB, Digital TV and online at bbc.co.uk/radio1.

Notes to Editors

*The Teen Hero awards will recognise the inspirational achievements of young people – and could range from caring for others to performing acts of heroism and volunteering or fundraising for charity – but listeners will be asked to nominate the young people they think deserve an award.

Social Action Campaigns on Radio 1:

Radio 1 and 91Èȱ¬ Radio 1Xtra's social action campaigns are an integral part of the stations' ethos and service to young people – offering support networks/information and a platform for young people to give their opinions.

The stations have an exceptional reputation for raising awareness of different topics and for the information they provide. Recent campaigns have included anti-bullying, body image, volunteering and The Summer Surgery.

On Radio 1, Sunday evening (9-10pm) plays host to The Surgery, presented by Aled Haydn Jones. This features debates and specials covering relevant citizenship and topical themes. The programme content offers support and access to experts such as Dr Mel, who specialises in medical and emotional issues, and Dr Stuart, who helps with sexual health and relationship problems.

Radio 1's daily Newsbeat provides a comprehensive service targeted at young audiences, explaining key issues and offering opportunities for people to express their views.

Teenage depression, interest rates and the credit crunch, plus the debate around the reclassification of cannabis, are among the subjects that have generated significant audience feedback.

ER