THE Somerset Anne Frank Youth Awards (SAFYA) programme is relaunching for 2021, to recognise young people in the county who have taken a stand against prejudice and worked to promote greater social inclusion.

Nominations for the awards are now open, with an awards ceremony to take place at Wells Cathedral this summer, should the Covid-19 situation allow.

The awards are named after Anne Frank, a German-Dutch diarist who was one of around six million Jews to be murdered in the Holocaust.

The Diary of a Young Girl (published posthumously) documents her life from 1942 to 1944, as her family hid from the Nazis in Amsterdam.

Tom Winchester, vice-chairman of the SAFYA committee said: "The story of Anne Frank is relevant now, more than ever, which is why we want to continue to spread her message and story by recognising and honouring young people across Somerset who demonstrate our three core values.

"These are: actively opposing discrimination, bullying and prejudice; supporting and caring for others in need; and working within conflict resolution and social inclusion.

"We believe that these awards spotlight the hard work and contributions of young people, which are crucial to promoting a positive, kind, and inclusive society."

There are six awards - three for groups and three for individuals - plus the Paul Heim Award, which will go to one group or individual which best fits all three core values.

Entrants must be in school years 5-13, i.e. nine to 18 years old.

Award winners receive a prize of £100, as well as a copy of Anne Frank's diary and a certificate of recognition.

Submissions for the awards must be made via the website - here - which also has more information about the programme.

The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, June 2, with the awards ceremony at Wells Cathedral to be held on the evening of Wednesday, July 14.

There are alternate arrangements in place if a physical awards ceremony cannot be held.