WE’RE looking for young heroes who need a deserved pat on the back as part of the fifth Pride of Somerset Youth Awards, launched today.

We have again teamed up with the Rotary Club of Taunton and BBC Somerset for this year’s awards, which will see prize money of more than £2,000 distributed to the winners.

We are inviting YOU to nominate young people under the age of 20 who deserve special recognition for their outstanding efforts.

Tony Murray, of the Rotary Club of Taunton, said: “The awards are all about recognising young people for doing things right and the presentation ceremony is a chance for the community to say thank you and well done for their efforts.”

Alex Cameron, editor of Newsquest Somerset, publisher of this website, said: “The tales of excellence, compassion, bravery and determination that emerge from these awards are stories that should not remain untold.

“If you know someone who’s gone the extra mile, let’s show them how much their efforts are appreciated.”

The awards are sponsored by health insurer WPA, Avon & Somerset Constabulary, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and Taunton Rotary Club.

They will be presented at a ceremony at Somerset College’s Conference Centre – which is being donated for the night by the college – in Taunton on March 9.

HOW TO NOMINATE

Nominating someone special for the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards is easy.

Firstly, tell us about the nominee. Send us their full name, age, school/college (where appropriate), postal address and contact phone number(s).

Write up to a maximum of 200 words detailing their accomplishments, to explain why they deserve a Pride of Somerset Youth Award. Include your own name and contact details.

Send the nomination to alex.cameron@nqsw.co.uk or to Youth Awards, Somerset County Gazette, St James Street, Taunton TA1 1JR.

You can also nominate someone using the on-line entry form.

Please notify the nominee (or their parents, where appropriate), that you have put them forward.

WHO ARE THE AWARDS FOR?

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 achievements in sport and music to caring for others and the environment, we know there are young people out there who display tremendous generosity, courage, talent and passion.

The prize money, of more than £2,000, will be divided between the winners.

Nominees must be under the age of 20 on March 9, 2012 – the day the awards will be presented and they must also live in Somerset.

The deadline for nominations is 12noon on February 15, 2011.

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

To view photos from last year's ceremony, click on the Related Link below.