PLANS are taking shape for this year’s Pride of Somerset Youth Awards as the deadline for nominations inches closer.

Every year, the Somerset County Gazette teams up with the Rotary Club of Taunton and BBC Somerset to recognise inspirational youngsters and their exceptional achievements.

Over the past few years, there have been some truly heart-warming and inspiring stories, from spectacular feats to those who are un-sung heroes.

The awards have been scooped by a plethora of youngsters from the area, with one of the most notable former winners is current England international cricketer, and former Somerset County player Jos Buttler.

One of the newest judges on the panel is Liz Bond, publisher of Newsquest Somerset and Devon.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to this year’s awards.

“It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to be one of the judges, and to see so many inspirational young people do so many amazing acts is quite incredible. 

“The main aim of the awards is to recognise young people and hopefully there will be a large number of entries to sift through.”

It couldn’t be easier to nominate someone for an award, whether you are self-nominating or nominating someone else.

The awards are not split into categories, we just want to hear about young people who have shown that extra spirit to achieve something exceptional.

The achievements can be anything, from sporting to music, from caring for other people or for caring for the planet, or even perhaps a one-off moment of heroism.

Nominees must be under the age of 20 on March 11, 2016, and the must live in Somerset.

Send the nominee’s details including full name, age, school/college if appropriate, postal address, contact phone number and a maximum of 200 words on their achievements to countygazette.co.uk, putting the words Youth Awards in the subject heading.

And, do not forget to include your own name and contact details.

Entries can also be posted to ‘Youth Awards’, Somerset County Gazette, St James’ Street, Taunton, TA21 1JR.

Or, youngsters can be nominated online HERE

If you are nominating somebody, please inform the nominee or their parents or grandparents.

The deadline for nominations deadline is February 19.

After that, the judges will meet and the winners will be invited with two representatives to the prestigious presentation ceremony.