ROLE-MODEL Ryan Flottemesch, of Dulverton, was praised for his dedication in helping the community.

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

The 18-year-old has been a member of the Dulverton Riverside Youth Centre for eight years and since 2012 he has been a senior member volunteer, planning and delivering sessions for seventen- year-olds.

He helps staff twice a week, arriving straight from his job as an apprentice. He has made public presentations in support of funding applications for Dulverton and District Young People’s Project, helps with trips and activities, supports new members, mentors others and has worked hard to develop key personal and professional skills for the role.

He is also credited with creating a mutual understanding and respect between older and younger members of the community.

His nomination said: “He is solid and dependable, open minded and practical and handles responsibility well.

He shows great patience and sensitivity when dealing with the more challenging behaviour within the junior sessions.”

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.