DO you know an incredible, inspiration young person who deserves recognition?

You can nominate them for a Pride of Somerset Youth Award.

The awards, in their ninth year, are run by your County Gazette, the Rotary Club of Taunton and BBC Somerset.

Over the past eight years we've heard some incredible stories of kindness and determination, bravery, triumphs over adversity and spectacular feats and this year we want to hear more. 

Peter Renshaw, spokesperson for the Rotary Club of Taunton, said: “The awards are in their ninth year now and enables us to publicly recognise the young people of Somerset.

"In the past we've had entries for, people who have overcome adversity, great sporting achievements and young people who have helped neighbours or raised lots of money for charities and good causes."

Thanks to sponsorship from Avon and Somerset Police, Prospects and the Somerset Rural Youth Project, a prize fund has been made possible.

All we need now is for you to nominate young people under the age of 20 who deserve a pat on the back – and some cash in the bank – for their outstanding efforts.

The awards will be presented at a ceremony hosted by BBC Somerset’s Claire Carter at Somerset College’s Conference Centre in Taunton – on March 11.

The awards are not split into categories – we just want to hear about young people who have shown that extra spirit to do something exceptional, whatever it may be.

It could be achievement in sport and music or caring for others and the environment– or perhaps even a one-off act of heroism.

Nominees must be under the age of 20 on March 11, 2016, and they must live in Somerset.

Send the nominee’s full name, age, school/college – where appropriate– postal address, contact phone number(s) and a maximum of 200 words on their achievements to newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk putting the words Youth Awards in the subject heading – and do not forget to include your own name and contact details.

Entries can also be posted to 'Youth Awards’, Somerset County Gazette, St James’ Street, Taunton TA1 1JR or youngsters can be nominated
on-line by clicking here.

Please notify the nominee – or their parents, where appropriate – so they are aware that you have put them forward.

The deadline for nominations is the end of Friday, February 19.

After that the judges will meet and the winners will be invited with two representatives to the presentation ceremony.