THE members of the Taunton Young Researchers Project were nominated for making sure the voices of young people are heard locally, regionally and nationally.

There were among those recognised at the 2014 Pride of Somerset Youth Awards.

They volunteered for a project looking at what life skills should be learnt at school, with their findings part of a regional report – which they took a key role in writing.

That report has gone all the way to the House of Commons and has been part of a campaign looking at what exactly should be taught in schools.

The group have now been asked by Somerset’s Youth Service to lead the way and make it easier for young people to have a say in local decision-making.

The five young people nominated were Martin Hayfield, Sophie Warr, Elsie Dunn Sophie Keitch and Amber Byles.

The awards are run by the Rotary Club of Taunton, your Somerset County Gazette, Bridgwater Mercury, Chard and Ilminster News, Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News and local radio station BBC Somerset.

A prize fund came from sponsorship from the Rotary Club, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Somerset Cricket Museum and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

Certificates were presented at Somerset College’s conference centre in Taunton, which was provided free by the college.

For a gallery of photos from the presentation night, click on the related links on this page and to watch video footage from the ceremony, which took place on March 7, see below.