WE need your help to find and reward Somerset's young heroes as part of the fourth Pride of Somerset Youth Awards, which are launched today.

Your local paper has teamed up with Rotary International and BBC Somerset for this year’s awards, which will see prize money of £2,000 distributed to winners.

We are inviting YOU to nominate young people, under the age of 20, who deserve a special pat on the back for their outstanding efforts.

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.

They might care for a relative in need, or have played a successful sports team or have kept a smile on their face through an illness.

Perhaps they might have raised money for charity, gone the extra mile at school or spent their own time helping others.

Tony Murray, of Rotary, said: “These awards put young people in the spotlight for doing things right – we’d love to hear from readers who know some exceptional young people.”

The awards are sponsored by the Avon and Somerset Constabulary, The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Taunton Rotary Club and health insurer WPA.

The awards will be presented by a guest celebrity at a glittering awards ceremony at Somerset College’s Conference Centre in Taunton on March 4, which is being donated by the college.

The deadline for nominations is midday on February 16.

The judging panel will meet in March after which, those young people nominated for awards will be sent invitations to come along - accompanied by two guests of their choice.

Click for the latest award details or the on-line entry form