CREATIVE Davey Owen, of Taunton, was nominated for being an inspiration to his peers.

He was among those recognised at the 2014 Pride of Somerset Youth Awards.

The 16-year-old Somerset College student has not let autism get in the way of his talent for storytelling.

He used to attend a school for children with special educational needs but this academic year he started an art and design course at the college and is getting top grades.

His talents have been recognised by Somerset Wildlife Trust, which asked him to produce an animated video about barn owls which it is now using on social media and YouTube.

He was nominated by Somerset College who said his ‘growth, dedication and success’ deserved recognition.

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.