THIS year's Pride of Somerset Youth Awards are partly sponsored by the UK's first giga-scale commercial smart campus.

Located near Bridgwater, the Gravity campus plays a role in supporting the country's response to some of the major problems facing the world today, such as the climate crisis.

The Gravity Smart Campus' website explains further: "Gravity is on course to become a catalyst for Clean Growth in the South West, with its economic impact felt across the UK.

"The site was once a thriving employment hub with a strong community spirit. Gravity will rekindle this ethos through the development of a place that is continually evolving, catering for tomorrow’s workforce whilst protecting the climate and environment.

"Together with Agratas, our aim is to drive the UK’s shift towards a zero-carbon economy, placing Somerset at the centre of the clean growth revolution and benefitting local villages, the county and wider region.

"Through the creation of up to 7,500 new jobs, we want to secure a legacy of opportunities for people who wish to live and work locally and enjoy the unique Somerset countryside."

Gravity is sponsoring the Environmental Award, which is designed to honour young individuals who are dedicated in making a positive difference in the environment.

Speaking back when the 2024 nominations opened, 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.”

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

Other award categories include the Care Award, the Charity/Volunteer Hero Award, and the Art & Culture Award, to name a few.

Nominations have now closed.