IT’s time to get your nominations in for young people who went that little bit further for their community this year.

The Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards take place early next year and they are looking for nominations.

The awards are designed to acknowledge the volunteering endeavors of young people from Kerry between the ages of 14 years and 19 years.

The winners will be announced at a celebratory function in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee on Friday, January 16.

“The awards provide a great opportunity to celebrate and recognise the voluntary efforts of the young people of Kerry, who have made a positive impact within their local community,” said John O’Sullivan, Lee Strand General Manager.

Nominations are accepted from individuals, community and voluntary groups, schools and youth clubs/organisation.

The winners will be selected by a panel of five judges who are community volunteers from around the county under the chairmanship of Chief Superintendent Pat Sullivan, An Garda Siochana.

Awards will be presented for the Overall Winner, Certificates of Distinction, Certificates of Merit, a Voluntary Group Award and a School Award.

Nominations are available from any Garda Station in Kerry and K.D.Y.S. Office in Tralee, Killarney and Listowel or by contacting the Juvenile Liaison Office at Tralee Garda Station on 066 7102311.

The closing date for nominations is December 12. Any member of the public can nominate a young person whom they feel has made a contribution to their local area.

Nomination forms are also available to download from www.leestrand.ie