The 2023 Pride of Somerset Youth Awards celebrate winners

Winners and their families joined together for a night of entertainment and celebration at the ceremony, which was held at the Taunton campus of Bridgwater and Taunton College.

Singers from the Bridgwater and Taunton College Show Choir kicked off the event, setting the tone for the talent and bravery of young people.

Bridgwater and Taunton Show Chour. (Image: NQ staff)

Barnabus Kerr

18-year-old Barnabus Kerr, from Ilminster,  is a member of Blackdown Scouts and has been to Kenya to help orphanages and schools.

Barnabus has been able to raise the entire cost of the trip and more through a sponsored cycle of over 880 miles.

Speaking to BBC Somerset presenter, Simon Parkin, Barnabus said: “There was a massive support."

Jack Sweeney

Jack Sweeney, from Taunton, was awarded for his efforts volunteering as a coach for Huish Taunton Tigers Basketball Club. 

One parent, whose child is part of the U12’s group, told Richard Huish College: "Jack deserves a special mention, I was really impressed when he took the lead for the session."

Ethan Kana-ah-Pollak

Aged only 11, Ethan was nominated for his heart-warming efforts to help the homeless. Over Christmastime, Ethan and his family decided to collect warm clothes and food to help those less fortunate, donating over 100 items to the Open Door homeless shelter. He has even started to collect crisp packets to make blankets.

When accepting the award, Ethan said: “We were driving in a car, I saw homeless people on a street and I felt bad for them.”

Betty Coggins

Despite her father being diagnosed with cancer, Betty Coggins has kept a brave face and carried on helping her local community. One of the things that Betty feels most passionate about is helping out at science club.

Betty said: “Science is one of my favourite school subjects, helping to inspire other people to love science and achieve amazing things is something I want to do.”

Hope Relph

Hope Relph, from Taunton, is a member of the Priorwood Army Cadet Force. She has the position of Lord Lieutenant's Cadet, taking part in various roles from remembrance parades to meeting Queen Camilla in Bath.

According to her detachment commander, Hope is an “inspiration” to younger cadets.

Hope told Simon: “I’m grateful for the opportunities that I get.”

Hope Relph. (Image: NQ staff)

Thorley Trevorrow

Thorley Trevorrow, from Portishead, has made a splash in the world of motorcycle racing. In November 2022 Thorley competed in the FIM Cup World Series, which consisted of racers aged between 10 and 12 years. As a 10 year old, Thorley travelled to the last round of the MotoGP in Valencia Spain, to represent Great Britain. 

When asked about the coolest thing he did in Spain, Thorley said “racing.”

Beth Yatton

Beth Yatton, aged 19, lives in Taunton and has been volunteering at Young Somerset’s Bold and Brave shop. Not only does she make and sell her own earrings, but she also acts as an inspiration to other people who work at the store, many of which are vulnerable.

A spokesperson for Young Somerset said: “Beth’s kind and caring nature is second to none.”

Eddie Moran

Eddie Moran, from Clevedon, has been awarded in the enterprise category. During Covid, Eddie got the idea to design an app which encourages young people to get outside. Over 700 people have engaged with StepStack.

Speaking about what inspired him, Eddie told the presenter: “What motivated me to get outside was my dog, we got him just before lockdown. When I went out, my friends were online, when I came back, my friends were still online.”

Eddie Moran. (Image: NQ staff)
Niamh Holland

Niamh Holland was nominated for her sporting prowess. She was selected to be part of the first ever England Women's Under 19 Cricket World Cup squad. 

Niamh was England's second highest scorer at the World Cup second only to the captain.

Niamh’s nominator from Richard Huish College said: “Niamh is an inspiration to young women across not only Somerset, but the rest of the world!”

Anthony Knight ( Sandy Padgett winner) 

16-year-old Anthony Knight, from Minehead, was selected to be the Sandy Padgett winner. Over the past year, Anthony has raised funds for the Ukraine Appeal by playing his violin after Sunday Services at local West Somerset Anglican Churches, raising £6,000. 

Anthony said: “My mum is Lithuanian and I have Ukrainian friends, I’m very sympathetic towards them.”

A picture spread and articles on individual winners will be posted throughout the next few weeks.