INSPIRATIONAL teenager Chloe Dawson was one of two young people given a Sandy Padgett Award at the 2014 Pride of Somerset Youth Awards.

Sandy Padgett Awards are presented in memory of the police chief superintendent who was a firm supporter of the awards before she died suddenly in 2009.

Sandy’s husband Kenneth attended the ceremony to present the 14-year-old, of Taunton, with her prize.

Chloe was diagnosed with a progressive disease called Friedreich’s Ataxia at the age of seven which means she now gets about in a wheelchair.

Last summer she had a major operation to straighten and support her spine and despite the challenges the condition poses, she is an immensely keen member of Ruishton Rainbows and Guides.

After her operation she was back at the group as soon as possible and is a young leader working with Ruishton Rainbows while she attends and supports the Guides.

Her nominator, Carolyn Drew, said: “Over the years I have never heard her complain about her condition and she has always taken part in Guiding activities, including numerous camps.

“She takes part in so many activities and always gives her best at all times.

She is an inspiration to the Rainbows, the Guides and the Guide leaders.

“She has a fabulous sense of humour and consistently thinks of others. As a Guide leader, I am so proud of her.”

The awards are run by the Rotary Club of Taunton, your Somerset County Gazette, Bridgwater Mercury, Chard and Ilminster News, Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News and local radio station BBC Somerset.

A prize fund came from sponsorship from the Rotary Club, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Somerset Cricket Museum and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

Certificates were presented at Somerset College’s conference centre in Taunton, which was provided free by the college.

For a gallery of photos from the presentation night, click on the related links on this page and to watch video footage from the ceremony, which took place on March 7, see below.