THIS year's Pride of Somerset Youth Awards are being supported by an organisation which brings together the county's "finest food and drink producers."

Somerset Larder is sponsoring the Outstanding Courage Award, which celebrates and recognises extraordinary bravery and spirit.

Whoever wins this award will have needed to have truly impacted the life or lives of others, whether it be family, friends, or members of the wider community.

Somerset Larder brings together produce from some of the region’s best farmers, artisan food makers, coffee roasters and bakers.

The organisation's website reads: "Somerset Larder was established in 2014 to bring together the county’s finest food and drink producers – to act as one – in order to compete for large catering contracts.

"Our vision is for the Somerset Larder brand to not just be known in the west country, but also way beyond that.

"Promoting the best produce from this bountiful corner of the UK to the rest of the world, creating a business which will benefit the region’s food and drink sector far into the future.

"We’re based in Bridgwater in Somerset. This is a very special, beautiful county renowned for its spectacular scenery and world class food producers.

"From our Central Production Kitchen (CPK) here we provide full service, one stop catering using west country products. A ‘from field to fork’ ethos working with more than 20 local food and drink producers ensures only the finest, locally sourced, food is used."

What else you need to know
 

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

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.

The award categories are:

  • 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.