A celebration of Oxfordshire teenagers’ achievements is to be held for the second year running.

Nominations are being sought for the second annual Oxfordshire Youth Awards, which recognise everything from acts of bravery to sporting achievement.

Debbie Egan, who is co-ordinating the awards for the Oxfordshire Association for Young People, said: “It is basically for anybody who has made any kind of achievement, so they can be recognised.

“Last year we had a real variety of young people and celebrated things like community contributions, which aren’t usually rewarded.

“We want to boost these young people’s self-esteem and help them realise that they are appreciated.”

The deadline for nominations is the end of this month and anyone can nominate a person aged 13 to 18 for one of five awards.

The categories are outstanding individual achievement; individual bravery; community; sports; and arts.

Ms Egan said: “If people are doing excellent things in sports and arts, we want to reward and recognise that, but we also want to hear about the people who are unsung heroes.

“A lot of people are in a caring role or do voluntary work and those things often aren’t appreciated in our society, particularly for young people.”

Cara Shanah and Jennifer Chaundy both received a group award last year for their work with Oxford Young Carers.

Cara, 17 from Iffley, became involved in the organisation because she cares for her mother, who has bipolar disorder.

She said: “I was shocked in a way to get the award, because I didn’t think there was a need for it.

“I didn’t expect people to feel sorry for me or feel like I have a bad time, because I don’t feel like that – I just get on with what life gives me.”

She now helps other young carers, as well as looking after her mother.

Jennifer, who is 14 and lives in Blackbird Leys, used to care for her mother, who has a personality disorder.

She said: “The youth awards was something I loved to do and I was proud to know that Oxford Young Carers got an award for what they have done, because I think the project really deserved it.

“Oxford Young Carers has been part of my life for four or five years and all the people I have met there have been absolutely incredible.”

For a nomination form, send an email request to youthawards@oayp.org.uk or download one at oayp.org.uk A panel of young people will shortlist three teenagers in each category and decide on the winners, who will be announced at a ceremony at Oxford Town Hall on Friday, July 9.