WE’RE looking for young stars who deserve recognition as part of the sixth Pride of Somerset Youth Awards, launched today.

We have again teamed up with the Rotary Club of Taunton and BBC Somerset for this year’s awards, which will see prizemoney of more than £2,000 distributed to the winners.

We are inviting YOU to nominate young people under the age of 20 who deserve a pat on the back (and some cash in the bank) for their outstanding efforts.

Tony Murray, of Rotary, said: “We are delighted by the strong support from our sponsors for the sixth year of the awards.

“The joy these splendid young people get from their recognition and from the award is delightful to see.”

Alex Cameron, editor of Newsquest Somerset, publisher of this website, said: “The tales of achievement, compassion, courage and determination that emerge from these awards are stories that should not remain untold.”

The awards are sponsored by Avon & Somerset Constabulary, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Taunton Rotary Club and Somerset County Cricket Club and museum.

They will be presented at a ceremony hosted by BBC Somerset’s Emma Britton at Somerset College’s Conference Centre – which is being donated for the night by the college – in Taunton on March 8.

For more details, click here.

Nominating someone special for the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards is easy.

The awards are not split into categories – we just want to hear about young people who have shown that extra spirit to do something exceptional, whatever it may be.

It could be achievement in sport and music to caring for others and the environment – or perhaps a one-off act of heroism.

Nominees must be under the age of 20 on March 8, 2013 and they must also live in Somerset.

Send the nominee’s full name, age, school/college (where appropriate), postal address, contact phone number(s) and a maximum of 200 words on their achievements to alex.cameron@nqsw.co.uk Include your own name and contact details.

You can also post entries to Youth Awards, Newsquest Somerset, St James’ Street, Taunton TA1 1JR, or nominate someone on-line, here.

Please notify the nominee (or their parents, where appropriate), that you have put them forward.