REMARKABLE young people will have their efforts recognised in the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards (POSYA) 2024.

Founded by the Rotary Club of Taunton, the awards were created to honour the amazing achievements of young individuals throughout the county, whether it be in the arts, sports, or even overcoming personal challenges. 

Past winners include England cricketer Jos Buttler, British gymnast Laura Gallagher, and Jamie Edwards, a hopeful for the Paris Paralympics in wheelchair athletics.

This year, the award ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 16, 6.30pm-9pm at The McMillan Theatre, Bridgwater.

North Somerset Times: Nominations close in March.Nominations close in March. (Image: Bridgwater and Taunton College)

Do you know someone you'd like to nominate? 

If you know of a young person who deserves to have their achievements celebrated, click HERE to nominate them. 

The closing date for nominations is Friday, March 8.

All nominees must be under the age of 21.

The Award Categories

  • Art & Culture Award: 
  • Care Award: 
  • Championing Positive Mental Health Award: 
  • Charity / Volunteer Hero: 
  • Community Hero: 
  • Environmental Award: 
  • Outstanding Courage Award: 
  • Sandy Padgett Award: 
  • Sporting Achievement Award:  
  • Young Person of the Year Award.

The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards is supported by a range of sponsors, including:

  • Gravity – Smart Campus: 
  • Bridgwater & Taunton College:
  • The Rotary Club of Taunton:
  • Avon & Somerset Police:
  • Bounce Forward:
  • Bridgwater United Community Sports Trust: 
  • Passion for Somerset:
  • Somerset County Gazette: 
  • Somerset Larder:
  • Young Somerset.

Claire Pearce from Gravity said: “Gravity is immensely proud be the main sponsor of these awards as well as the ‘Environmental’ award.

"We welcome the opportunity to recognise and promote the inspirational young people across Somerset who go above and beyond for their communities.

"We are also delighted to introduce our key partners at Bounce Forward and Bridgwater United Community Sports Trust as sponsors of the ‘Championing Positive Mental Health’ and ‘Community Hero’ awards, respectively.

"The Gravity work on environmental and social governance is a team effort to contribute positively to the locality and help prepare and inspire young people about the future ahead.”

Andy Berry, principal and CEO of Bridgwater & Taunton College, said: “We are delighted to sponsor these awards. Young people from across the county go above and beyond, often in the face of adversity, achieving amazing things.

"This is an opportunity to reflect on and recognise their achievements. I am looking forward to hearing their amazing stories and celebrating their accomplishments.”