THE DEADLINE is less than a week away for nominations for a new award scheme that puts the spotlight on the achievements of young people in Basingstoke and Deane.

Applications to the Service Above Self Youth Awards can be made until February 14.

Launched by The Rotary Club of Basingstoke Deane, the awards will celebrate the efforts of young people in the borough, up to the age of 21, who put others before themselves.

There are six different categories – young carer, community service, charity work, act of bravery, overcoming a personal challenge, and using a talent to benefit others.

Professor Pat Preedy, chairman of the Rotary Club’s new generation committee and executive principal of GEMS Sherfield School, in Sherfield-on-Loddon, has been visiting schools in Basingstoke and Deane to encourage people to nominate.

She said: “We’ve been delighted by the quality of the nominations received so far that show a fantastic effort by the young people of Basingstoke in supporting other people in their community.

“We are keen that as many young people as possible are recognised, and we are still able to take nominations up to February 14.”

The Rotary Club’s Connecting Business partners have offered their support to the awards scheme, along with the other two Basingstoke Rotary Clubs. Nominations can be made using a form on the Basingstoke Deane Rotary Club’s website.

A panel of judges will decide a shortlist of nominees to attend 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 at The Apollo Hotel in 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., Hampshire Hospitals 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 deborah.parks-green@bakertilly.co.uk.

To get your nomination form, go to the rotaryclubofbasingstokedeane.co.uk.