THE exceptional achievements of Spennymoor’s young people will be acknowledged by an awards scheme.

People and organisations throughout the town and surrounding villages are being asked to nominate a young person they think deserves to be recognised for their hard work, talent or care.

The Spennymoor Young Peoples Awards are supported by Spennymoor Town Council and Spennymoor Youth Council.

In the arts category there will be a performing award for those who sing, dance or act and a creativity award for young people involved in film, art or photography.

A sports category will recognise achievement, commitment and determination in their chosen sport as a player, coach or referee.

The young person’s choice award will recognise someone who encourages young people to go that extra mile and contribute in their community such as a teacher, club leader or volunteer.

A community champion award will go to an inspirational young person or group of youngsters that go to great lengths to improve their community in some way from environmental projects to supporting the vulnerable.

Each school is also asked to nominate one pupil who has demonstrated the seven Olympic and Paralympic values of respect, friendship, excellence, courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

There will also be an extra special achievement and recognition award for a young person who has gone further than most to accomplish their dreams, help others, do something in amazing circumstances or turn lives around.

The two councils will work together to select the winners ahead of a presentation night at Spennymoor Town Hall on Tuesday, October 28.

Nominations must be submitted to the town hall, emailed to enquiries@spennymoortowncouncil.gov.uk or on 01388-815276 by Tuesday, September 30.