I AM at an age where I feel I can understand all the generations. I am blessed to have little grandchildren and other children in my close family. Watching them grow and develop, learn to walk, talk etc. Playing games, reading stories, trips to the park. We all know how quickly this stage passes and in the blink of an eye they are off to school. Time really does fly.

You watch their personalities develop. I was always the naughty one, in trouble for laughing and causing mischief. Somethings never change! We all appreciate that teenage years are difficult for many, due to raging hormones and peer pressures. Worrying about exams, troubles in the world.

Some of these young people put their troubles aside and do amazing things.

2022 marks the 15th anniversary of the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards.

The awards are organised by BBC Somerset, the Rotary Club of Taunton and Somerset Day and hosted by Bridgwater & Taunton College with the support of the Avon and Somerset Constabulary, 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 in the county who display tremendous generosity, courage, talent and passion. There are no specific categories for the awards.

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised for what they have done? Applications opened on Saturday 12thFebruary 2022 and all entries must be submitted by Friday 8th April. Nominees must live in Somerset and be under the age of 20 on 10th May 2022.

To nominate a young person please send their full name, age, school/college (where appropriate), postal address, and contact phone number(s), along with a maximum of 200 words detailing their accomplishments to explain why they deserve a Pride of Somerset Youth Award. Applications can be sent to somerset@bbc.co.uk putting PoSYA in the subject heading.

See you again in two weeks! Until then – Stay Safe and Be Kind.