A GLITTERING awards ceremony which celebrates the achievements of young people across the district is back for the second year running.

The Tendring Youth Awards 2017 have been organised by the Harwich and Manningtree Standard, the Clacton, Frinton and Walton Gazette as well as Bright Futures and Tendring Council.

The awards, which were launched last year, are aimed at highlighting the numerous successes of our young people and their commitment to our community.

Nominations are now open to young people aged between 11 and 21 who are living, working or studying in the Tendring area.

A panel of judges will assess the nominations and compile a shortlist of finalists, who will be invited to a glitzy presentation evening at the Princes Theatre on July 10.

There are eight awards for young people who have demonstrated characteristics such as courage, determination, kindness or dedication.

There is also a special award for an Unsung Hero, an adult who was supported young people to achieve their full potential through volunteering, mentoring, coaching or work.

Lynda McWilliams, Tendring Council’s leisure boss, said: “We are really pleased to be working alongside Bright Futures and the Gazette and Standard to repeat last year’s amazing awards evening.

“We often hear the negative stories about youngsters but I am proud to say that we have many excellent caring young people in Tendring and this is our chance to recognise that and put the spotlight on them.

“I would urge people to come forward with their nominations so that we have another strong list to select from.”

Dominic Bowers from the Gazette and Standard said that the papers are happy to be busting the myth that the media are only interested in bad news and negative headlines.

“We are the first to enjoy celebrating the achievements of our young people, whatever the circumstances and in whatever field; whether it is on the stage, in sport, at school or in the community,” he said.

“It is now down to you to come up with the nominations that will ensure we have another great ceremony at the Princes Theatre where so many deserving individuals will collect their accolades.”

To nominate a young person for the award fill out a form here Nominations form 2017 (2).pdf and return it to Bright Futures, 5 Russell Road, Clacton, CO15 6BE.

The form is also available in the May 4 edition of the Clacton, Frinton and Walton Gazette, and the Harwich and Manningtree Standard on May 5.

The closing date for entries is June 9.

THE AWARDS

Volunteer - This award recognises the volunteering efforts of young people as an individual or as part of a group.

Arts -This award showcases the creative potential of a young person in any respect of the arts, including Creative (i.e. drawing or writing), Expressive (i.e. dancing or theatre) or Applied (i.e. product design or textiles).

Community ImprovementThis award celebrates an individual or group who has significantly contributed to their community.

Young Carer - This award recognises a young person who helps look after a relative who has a condition, such as a disability, illness, mental health condition, or a drug or alcohol problem.

Learning Achievement - This award rewards the hard work and perseverance of a young person who has succeeded in their chosen subject or subjects, showing their determination to achieve their learning goals.

Outstanding Achievement  - The Outstanding Achievement category is all about celebrating an individual or group of young people achieving in any discipline or field. Achievements must be significant and exceed the norm.

Personal Journey - This award is given in recognition that some young people overcome huge difficulties to achieve success. Obstacles might include problems in their family, social, educational, health or work lives.

Unsung Hero (For an adult) - This award is given in recognition the efforts of an individual (adult) to support young people to achieve their full potential, through volunteering, mentoring, coaching or work.