THERE are numerous stories about inspirational young people across Somerset - and now's the time to shout about their achievements.

We're looking to you to tell us some of those stories as we launch this year's Pride of Somerset Youth Awards.

We want you to send us examples of any young person who lives in historic Somerset - which includes Bath and Weston-super-Mare - who has done something in the past year to make you proud.

It could be something to do with sport, school, volunteer work, overcoming illness, helping parents and grandparents of just being a great friend.

The only requirements are that the person nominated must live in the county and must be under the age of 20 on Friday, May 11.

The awards are run by the Rotary Club of Taunton and supported by the County Gazette series of newspaper, which also includes the Bridgwater Mercury, the Chard and Ilminster News and the Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News, along with BBC Somerset.

They are sponsored by Avon and Somerset Police, Prospect Services and Somerset Rural Youth Project.

There are no specific categories and you can send us your nominations between now and midnight on Friday, April 13.

A panel of judges will then select a number of worthy winners, who will be presented with their awards at a ceremony in the Conference Centre at Bridgwater and Taunton College, in Taunton, on Somerset Day, May 11.

The event will be hosted by BBC Somerset Breakfast presenter Claire Carter and Mid-Morning presenter Simon Parkin.

Peter Renshaw, of the Rotary Club of Taunton said: "There are some amazing stories of young people in Somerset who have achieved great things and we want to hear about them.

"We are keen to demonstrate that Somerset can be proud of the vast majority of young people and to celebrate their achievements.

"The County Gazette and BBC Somerset have shared this vision and over the 11 years we have celebrated the achievements of hundreds of young people who have made a significant difference in sport, the arts, volunteering, helping in the community, raising money for charity or overcoming adversity whether physical or personal.

"The nominations, and subsequent award winners, are inspirational, humbling and of whom the people of Somerset can be very proud."

Past winners have included England cricketer Jos Buttler, British gymnast Laura Gallagher and record wheelchair athlete Jamie Edwards.

To nominate a young person for the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards 2018, send the nominee's full name, age, school or college where appropriate, postal address and contact phone number along with a maximum of 200 words on their achievements to newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk putting Youth Awards in the subject heading - and don't forget to include your own name and contact details.

Entries can also be posted to Youth Awards, County Gazette, St James Street, Taunton TA1 1JR.