THE deadline is approaching for nominations in this year's Pride of Somerset Youth Awards.

Founded by the Rotary Club of Taunton, the awards were created to honour the amazing achievements of young individuals throughout the county, whether it be in the arts, sports, or even overcoming personal challenges. 

Speaking during last year's ceremony, Peter Renshaw, from the Rotary Club of Taunton, said: "The awards evening highlights what amazing things young people across Somerset have achieved, either volunteering, raising money for charity, excelling in the arts, sport or academically or overcoming adversity.

"Past winners range from excellence in sport to national level, helping the community when there were floods on the Somerset Levels, or excelling in music which also helped raise money for the Amber Trust."

This year, the award ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 16, 6.30pm-9pm at The McMillan Theatre, Bridgwater.

Do you know someone you'd like to nominate? 

 

If you know of a young person who deserves to have their achievements celebrated, visit the nominations portal on the Bridgwater and Taunton College website.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, March 8.

All nominees must be under the age of 21.

The Award Categories

 

  • Art & Culture Award: 
  • Care Award: 
  • Championing Positive Mental Health Award: 
  • Charity / Volunteer Hero: 
  • Community Hero: 
  • Environmental Award: 
  • Outstanding Courage Award: 
  • Sandy Padgett Award: 
  • Sporting Achievement Award:  
  • Young Person of the Year Award.

The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards is supported by a range of sponsors, including:

  • Gravity – Smart Campus: 
  • Bridgwater & Taunton College:
  • The Rotary Club of Taunton:
  • Avon & Somerset Police:
  • Bounce Forward:
  • Bridgwater United Community Sports Trust: 
  • Passion for Somerset:
  • Somerset County Gazette: 
  • Somerset Larder:
  • Young Somerset.

Last year's winners included Jack Sweeney, who was awarded for his efforts volunteering as a coach for Huish Taunton Tigers Basketball Club, and Eddie Moran, who designed an app which encourages young people to get outside. Eddie was inspired to design the app after noticing that his peers spent much on their time online.

Other past winners include England cricketer Jos Buttler, British gymnast Laura Gallagher, and Jamie Edwards, a hopeful for the Paris Paralympics in wheelchair athletics.