THERE were tears of pride as exceptional young people from Somerset were honoured at this evening’s Pride of Somerset Youth Awards.

Proud parents and supporters gathered to watch young people collect certificates and prize money at Somerset College’s Conference Centre, which was given free for the evening.

Winners were presented with their certificates and prize money by award sponsors in a ceremony hosted by BBC Somerset’s Emma Britton.

The awards are run by Newsquest Somerset, the publisher of this website, Taunton Rotary Club, and BBC Somerset.

Newsquest Somerset editor Alex Cameron said: “It was an honour to be among so many young people who have achieved so much. They all have amazing stories to tell and are an example to us all.

“Congratulations to all those who took part and thank you to our sponsors for supporting the awards.”

The awards were sponsored by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Somerset Cricket Museum and Taunton Rotary Club.

Certificates of commendation will be sent to many more young people who were nominated.

The winners on the night were:

  • Logan Mckerrow, seven, of Chard,
  • Joe Hooper, 15, of Ruishton
  • Lannece Hole, 12, Bower Hinton
  • The Halcon Litter Picking Group, Taunton
  • Jasmin Searle, of Bridgwater
  • Chloe Dawson, 14, of Taunton
  • Taunton Young Researchers Project
  • Adam Evans, of Huish Episcopi School
  • Connor Allen, of Huish Episcopi School
  • Luke Carp, 14, of Taunton
  • Madeline Francis, 15, of Burnham
  • Tom Stevens, 16, of Street
  • Elliott Rutter, 18, of Wells
  • Kymberley Palmer, 19, of Yeovil
  • Joseph Wigley, 13, of Combwich
  • Charlotte Davies, 18, of Frome
  • Joe Laoutaris, 11, of Burnham
  • Jacob Riva, 11, of Ilchester
  • Ryan Flottemesch, 18, of Dulverton
  • Davey Owen, 16, of Taunton
  • Rhianne Gilbert Muir and Cory Turner, 15, of Bridgwater
  • Rachel Churches, 18, of Wells
  • Jess Moreton, 18, of Evercreech

More details and photos will follow here from Monday.