AN AWARDS scheme which honours young people who make a difference in their community is looking for worthy winners.

The Rotary Club of Basingstoke Deane is now seeking nominations for the 2013 Service Above Self Awards.

Last year, at the first-ever awards, teenager Chris Miller was declared the overall winner after embarking on a charity mission to cycle from his home in Whitchurch to Ben Nevis, to raise money for the Whitchurch Youth Centre Trust.

Another category winner, Laurel Johnstone, who was nominated for her work in confronting bullying problems at her school, went on to achieve a Princess Diana Award.

Organisers hope that the second event will be even better, and they are looking forward to receiving nominations in the run up to the February 15 deadline.

Marion Cornick, from Basingstoke Deane Rotary Club, said: β€œThe awards celebrate the achievements of young people in Basingstoke and Deane who have given service without thought for themselves, to benefit someone else, or who have overcome a difficulty.”

Nominations are now open in six categories – young carer, community volunteer, charity worker, act of bravery, overcoming a personal challenge or disability, and using a talent such as music or sport.

Parents, teachers, youth leaders and friends are all invited to nominate an exceptional young person, or group of young people, living in Basingstoke and Deane.

The awards ceremony will be held at The Apollo Hotel, in Basingstoke, on April 11, 2013, which the finalists will be invited to attend with Members of their family. The awards will be presented by Hampshire Lord Lieutenant, Dame Mary Fagan.

To nominate a young person, visit therotaryclubofbasingstoke deane.co.uk, or pick up an entry form from any library in Basingstoke and Deane.