BRIDGWATER College Academy pupils Rhianne Gilbert Muir and Cory Turner were praised for being exceptional students and inspirational mentors.

They were among those recognised at the 2014 Pride of Somerset Youth Awards.

They lead a team of 34 mentors and mediators at the school, helping to settle problems between students and supporting others to overcome their individual challenges.

They are now deputy head girl and boy and have both taken part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme – they also recently raised enough money for 12 students to visit the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, something they describe as very moving and motivational.

Rhianne’s nomination said: “She is approachable, calm, reliable, well organised and extremely supportive to others. Nothing is too much trouble and she is always an excellent role model.”

Nominator Jenny Harding said of Cory: “He is a trained cyber mentor and works on the ‘beat bullying’ website in his own time.

“He is always calm and willing to help out wherever necessary.

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.

To watch video footage from the ceremony, which took place on March 7, see below.