THE Somerset Anne Frank Youth Awards (SAFYA) held yesterday (Wednesday, July 5) recognised the achievements and contributions of young people across the county.

Young people from all over Somerset attend the award ceremony at Portishead Primary School, winners of the 2022 Paul Heim Award.

A total of four awards were presented by SAFYA vice-chairman Tom Winchester.

Ena Cattell received the award for actively opposing discrimination, bullying and prejudice for all of her work in college to battle sexism and spearheading their equalities group.

Jayden and Brooke Basson were the second winners, picking up the accolade for supporting and caring for others in need for all their hard and loving work that they do for their older sister, who has cerebral palsy, is oxygen dependent, non-verbal, epileptic and wheelchair bound.

The third award for working within conflict resolution and social inclusion went to Anthony Kazimieras Knight, for bringing many communities together with his classical music.

There was one final award presented for the first - the Paul Heim Award for the entrant who best fits all three core values of the charity, in memory of the late Paul Heim, who played an integral part in getting the SAFYA where they are today.

It was won by Jemima Gee for her outstanding contribution to the community, especially with her sister, Pippa, who has Down Syndrome, and being an outstanding advocate of the SAFYA core values.

A spokesperson for the charity said: "Congratulations to all of the fantastic nominations for their achievements.

"The SAFYAs will be running again in 2024 so keep your eye on future updates.

"Somerset Anne Frank Youth Awards also run their Creative Writing Awards, with updates on both events coming soon, so keep updated via social media platforms or sign up to receive the newsletter on the SAFYA website.