NOMINATIONS for a series of awards recognising the great things young people do in the Thornbury area are set to close later this month.

The Mayor’s Youth Awards, which recognise the voluntary contributions of younger members of the community, have been reintroduced this year by the town’s mayor Cllr Helen Harrison, having last been awarded back in 2013.

With the deadline to submit a nomination closing on Monday, January 30, members of the public are being asked to make sure the names of their young heroes are put forward soon.

“There are so many young people in Thornbury who are doing a variety of really positive things, going over and above for other people,” said Cllr Harrison.

“These are the people I really want to draw attention to, and showcase the different things that go on potentially unrecognised in the town.

“I am looking forward to being inundated with nominations for all the fantastic young people in the town.”

The awards are split into three age groups, key stage one and two, key stage three and key stage four and above, with the upper limit being that they have not yet reached their 20th birthday.

Winners selected from each group will receive a grant of £50, to be put towards either to the group they volunteer for, or a charity of their choice.

Youth groups are encouraged to put forward as many nominations as they like, with the only stipulation being that they live in the parish of Thornbury.

Cllr Harrison said: “Whether they are volunteering for a charity, in a society, working with other young people or helping someone as a carer, they are giving something tremendous to the community.

“It might seem only a small act to that person, but to the people they work with or help, it could be a much bigger deal.”

Once nominations close, Cllr Harrison and the panel of judges will meet to discuss the entries, make a shortlist and pick winners, which will be announced at a special meeting in April.

As well as the winners receiving their awards, all entries that make it to the shortlist will receive a special certificate recognising their contribution to the community.

Nomination forms for the Mayor’s Youth Awards, which can be obtained from the Town Hall or the town council’s website, must be submitted to the Town Hall by at 4pm on Monday, January 30.

For more information, visit www.thornburytowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01454 412103.