YOUNGSTERS from South Somerset were honoured at a county-wide awards ceremony.

The inspiring youths were recognised at the News-backed Pride of Somerset Awards, which was held at Somerset College on Friday night.

The event, also backed by Taunton Rotary Club and BBC Somerset, was the ninth annual awards, held in association with the News and BBC Somerset, and honoured the efforts of young people from across the county.

Among them were Seth Dellow, 16, from Donyatt, Christopher Grabham, 17, from Ilminster, Kayleigh White, 17 and Bryony Hasell, 18.

Seth, who goes to Holyrood Academy, underwent surgery last year to have a sebaceous cyst removed from his neck.

He has created a huge billboard display at the school to help others through similar experiences.

He hopes that by detailing his own experiences, he will provide support and comfort to anyone who suffers a similar illness in the future.

He is determined to reassure younger children that a minor operation is just that.

His nominators, staff at Holyrood, said: “Seth is an incredibly positive person who has coped with this potentially embarrassing situation with grace and good humour. Holyrood staff are very proud of him.”

Christopher Grabham, from Ilminster, is a leading light in the world of music at Richard Huish College. The 17-year-old has composed his own rock opera The Invaders, and in doing so, organised a large orchestra, solo singers and choir to rehearse together and premiere the work at college last September. He also wrote a Christmas work for choir and orchestra, which he conducted and played as well as conducted in the college’s recent production of Sweeny Todd at the Brewhouse.

Nominator Kathryn Foyle, course manager for music at Richard Huish, said: “Chris’s musicality, combined with his natural conducting ability and a generous and patient character, truly set him in good stead for a promising future.”

Kayleigh White, 18, almost died last year when she was stabbed in a horrific violent attack in broad daylight.

Nominator Chrissie Russell said that not once has she felt sorry for herself, despite the fact she has recurring and ongoing health problems from the attack.

Throughout the traumatic experience, she has remained calm and dignified.

Chrissie said she even showed concern for her offender and showed him forgiveness, even on the day of his sentencing at court.

Grateful grandmother Mary Graham from Tatworth nominated her granddaughter Bryony Hasell from Wells for an award.

Bryony, 18, entered the three-day London to Paris Cycle Challenge after her grandmother had bowel cancer. Bryony managed to raise just under £3,000 for Bowel Cancer UK.