The James Dyson Foundation has been confirmed as a main supporter of Bath & North East Somerset’s Our Young Stars Awards.

The awards will recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of extraordinary young people in the district.

The James Dyson Foundation, which introduces young people to the exciting world of engineering, is the fifth major supporter to back the awards.

Sir James Dyson, founder of The James Dyson Foundation, said: “I am constantly impressed with the ingenuity of young people. My foundation has worked with school children in Bath for many years to encourage their inventive spirit. It is these creative minds who will solve our future world problems. I hope this award will inspire more young people to achieve great things.”

In launching the awards at the Guildhall, Bath & North East Somerset Council Leader, Tim Warren, said: “I was inspired to create the awards after hearing the remarkable stories of young people, who make a valuable contribution to their community, at Bristol’s Young Heroes Awards, organised by Community of Purpose earlier this year.

“I know that across Bath & North East Somerset there are many selfless and courageous young people, who may have forsaken some of the joys and freedoms of childhood to make a difference to the lives of others, or to achieve great things in the face of adversity or personal challenges.

“I think it’s important to recognise these young people, share their stories and celebrate their achievements. If you know a young person worthy of an Our Young Stars Award, please make a nomination, we don’t want to miss anyone.”

Residents, schools and organisations are now being asked to nominate a young person who they feel is worthy of such an award to receive the recognition they deserve.

There are five categories: Education, Unsung, Courage, Sport and Innovation. A panel of judges will look at all the nominations in December and select three of the most deserving young people from each category to become finalists.

The fifteen finalists will then be invited to a Gala Awards Dinner on 9th March for a celebration of their achievements, where the winners will be announced and awards presented to all of the finalists.

The Our Young Stars Awards are supported by Wessex Water, Bath Rugby, IESIS (Rengen Developments), Kersfield and The James Dyson Foundation, Bath Bid and Southgate.

Nominees must be eighteen or under on 31st December 2018 and live in Bath & North East Somerset. The deadline for nominations is Friday, 30th November.

Nomination forms are available online at: www.bathnes.gov.uk/ouryoungstars

Completed forms can also be returned by post to: Bath & North East Somerset Council, The Leader’s Office, Guildhall, Bath BA1 5AW.