WE are asking for YOUR nominations for this year’s Pride of Somerset Youth Awards.

The awards aim to recognise special young people, like one of last year’s winners, Alex Cook, of Wedmore.

He picked up a winner’s certificate and a share of a £1,000 prize fund for his voluntary youth work.

For years, Alex has been managing a project for young people to keep them entertained and off the streets. He was recognised for his enthusiasm and giving up his spare time.

If you know someone under the age of 20 who has done something special in any walk of life, nominate them now!

The awards are run in partnership with Rotary International and radio station BBC Somerset.

The prize fund has come from donations from Rotary, Connexions Somerset and the Avon & Somerset Constabulary.

The awards will be presented at an Oscars-style ceremony being staged for free by Somerset College at its conference centre in Taunton, hosted by BBC TV’s Clinton Rogers.

TO nominate someone for a Pride of Somerset Youth Award, send us their full name, age, school/college (where appropriate), postal address and contact phone number(s).

Write up to 200 words on their achievements to explain why they deserve a Pride of Somerset Youth Award.

Include your own name and contact details.

Send the entry to newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk or Youth Awards, Somerset County Gazette, St James Street, Taunton TA1 1JR.

You can also nominate someone using the special entry form on this website – click on the link above.

Please tell the nominee (or their parents where appropriate) you have put their name forward.

The awards are not split into categories – we just want to hear about young people who have shown that extra spirit to do something exceptional whatever it may be.

From sport and music to caring for others and the environment, young people display great generosity, courage, talent and passion.

The prize money of over £1,000 will be divided between the winners, who will also receive certificates as lasting recognition of their success.

Nominees must be under the age of 20 on Friday, January 16, 2009 – the day the awards will be presented – and must live in Somerset.

The deadline for nominations is midday on Thursday, December 18.