PREPARATIONS are underway for this year's Pride of Somerset Youth Awards.

The awards are organised by BBC Somerset, the Rotary Club of Taunton and Somerset Day and hosted by Bridgwater and Taunton College with support from Avon and Somerset Police, YMCA Dulverton Group and Young Somerset.

They celebrate young people across Somerset who have done something in the last 12 months to make their family, friends or community proud.

From achievements in the arts, sport, music or academically to caring for others and the environment, to overcoming personal adversity and hardship and making difference to their community through charitable work, the awards recognise any young people who display tremendous generosity, courage, talent and passion. There are no specific categories for the awards.

Previous winners include England cricketer Jos Buttler, British gymnast Laura Gallagher and Paris Paralympic-hopeful wheelchair athlete Jamie Edwards.

The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards are sponsored by Avon and Somerset Police, Young Somerset and The Rotary Club of Taunton.

This year's ceremony is at the Conference Centre at Bridgwater and Taunton College, Taunton, on Somerset Day, May 11, hosted by BBC Somerset presenters Claire Carter and Simon Parkin.

Claire said: "The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards evening is a highlight in my calendar.

"Every year we attract an amazing selection of very special young people from across the county.

"Each nominee is a hero in their own right and it is a privilege to be able to shine a light on their outstanding achievement.

"The triumph over adversity shown by some of the winners is humbling and it means so much to them and their families to be acknowledged in this way.

"I'm so excited about being part of it all as a host again this year!"

Applications opened today (Saturday, February 12) and entries must be submitted by Friday, April 8. Nominees must live in Somerset and be under 20 on May 10.

To nominate a young person, send their full name, age, school/college (where appropriate), postal address, and contact phone number(s), along with up to 200 words detailing their accomplishments to explain why they deserve a Pride of Somerset Youth Award.

Include your own name and contact details.

Send applications to somerset@bbc.co.uk putting PoSYA in the subject heading.

Nominations may also be posted to BBC Somerset, Winchester House, Deane Gate Avenue, Taunton TAI 2UH.

BBC Somerset will be broadcasting interviews with some of the winners after the awards evening.