GREAT and community-minded young people in Basingstoke and Deane are to be recognised for their dedication in helping others.

The Rotary Club of Basingstoke Deane has launched the Service Above Self Youth Awards, to be held annually to celebrate the efforts of young people across the borough up to the age of 21.

The awards have been named Service Above Self because this is the motto of the Rotary organisation, and it also reflects the nature of the awards.

Six different award categories have been created – young carer, community service, charity work, act of bravery, overcoming a personal challenge, and using a talent to benefit others – all honouring those who put others before themselves.

The Rotary Club’s Connecting Business partners have offered their support to the scheme, along with the other two Basingstoke Rotary Clubs.

Professor Pat Preedy, who is chairman of the Rotary Club’s new generation committee and executive principal of GEMS Sherfield School, in Sherfield-on-Loddon, said: “We were becoming aware of the negative press for young people and we wanted to do something to celebrate what young people do.

“We see so many young people serving and working hard so that’s where these awards came from.”

Nominations can now be made using a form on the Basingstoke Deane Rotary Club’s website – the address is at the end of this story – before judging takes place in February 2012.

A panel of judges will be made up of Rotary Club members, Connecting Business partners and young people, who will decide a shortlist of nominees for the awards ceremony on April 12.

All the winners will receive vouchers and a certificate, and an overall winner will be awarded a trophy at the ceremony in The Apollo Hotel, Basingstoke, which will be presented by Hampshire Lord Lieutenant Dame Mary Fagan.

The awards event is being supported by various sponsors. The category sponsors are Queen Mary’s College, in Basingstoke, Test Valley Golf Club, Tony Purslow car dealership, RPJ Associated Consultants Ltd., Basingstoke and North Hamp-shire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and GEMS Sherfield School. The event is also being backed by Gazette Newspapers and Kestrel FM.

Nomination forms should be sent to Deborah Parks-Green, Baker Tilly Tax and Accounting Ltd, Spring Park House, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4HG, or emailed to .

For more information, visit therotaryclubofbasingstokedeane. co.uk.