Pride of Somerset Youth Awards presentations (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Pride of Somerset Youth Awards presentations

10:40pm Friday 15th January 2010 in Somerset Video By Alex Cameron

INSPIRATIONAL young people were recognised at an emotional Pride of Somerset Youth Awards presentation ceremony tonight.

Our awards, run in partnership with Rotary International and BBC Somerset, highlighted the outstanding efforts of the county’s young people in walks of life.

More than 20 nominees were among the 100 guests who attended the event, hosted by BBC TV’s Clinton Rogers and held at Somerset College, Taunton, which gave provided its conference centre and refreshments for free.

The ceremony also saw Ken Padgett present the first Sandy Padgett Awards, given in memory of his wife, who died suddenly in October last year at the age of 41.

Ch Supt Padgett, a mum-of-two, was the top police officer in Somerset West, an area covering Taunton, Wellington, West Somerset, Bridgwater and Burnham, and was a firm supporter of the awards. She also worked in the Yeovil and South Somerset area.

Ken Bird, Editor-in-Chief of Newsquest Somerset, publisher of the Somerset County Gazette, Bridgwater Mercury, Chard and Ilminster News, Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News, and Yeovil Express, said: “The tears and smiles of pride from winners and their families showed what the evening meant to them.

“Congratulations to all our nominees, whose achievements are as impressive as they are inspirational.

“We were honoured to be able to give the awards in memory of Ch Supt Sandy Padgett.”

Mr Padgett said: “I was really proud to present the awards. Sandy always liked this ceremony and knew that young people do a huge amount of positive work.”

The prize fund of more than £1,000 came thanks to sponsorship from Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Rotary, Somerset County Council and the county’s Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

For photos from the event, click on the Related Link images below. Reports on winners will follow on this website while the following papers will carry reports on their local nominees: Somerset County Gazette, Bridgwater Mercury, Yeovil Express and Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News.