DO YOU know a young person who deserves some recognition for something they have done?

Nominations are now open for the annual Jamie Fleming Award, which will be presented to a young person who has done something outstanding or exceptional.

Lance Corporal Jamie Fleming, from Spinning Path Gardens, Crediton, spent four-and-a-half years in the Army, in the Royal Signals and had a distinguished career but tragically died following a road accident.

Jamie was a pupil at Hayward’s Primary School and Queen Elizabeth’s in Crediton before attending Exeter College and his military training.

The award was launched by family-friend, former five-times Mayor of Crediton, Mrs Gillian Ponsford, who knew Jamie well.

She launched the annual award, to be presented to an admirable young person in the town or surrounding area.

The award is supported by the Fleming family, his former regiment and members of the community.

In 2015 Jamie’s parents, Stewart and Alison Fleming presented the award to Staff Sgt Hannah Stubbs, who was a member of Crediton detachment of Devon Army Cadet Force.

In 2016 the award was presented by Mr and Mrs Fleming to Cadet Warrant Officer Matthew Cordwent, a member of Crediton detachment of the Air Training Corps.

During his time with the Air Cadets Matthew undertook the role of Cadet to the Lord Lieutenant of Devon and also gained his Gold level Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as well as a BTEC in Teamwork and Personal Development.

Last year the award was presented to Alice Fraser Edwards from Copplestone.

Mrs Ponsford said that whilst most of her peers were following their own dreams, Alice had dedicated her gap year to two hugely important causes for the benefit of others, one local and one international.

One was volunteering in France distributing supplies to refugees, initially in Calais and then further afield, largely at her own expense regarding travel and accommodation, and keeping the issue in everyone’s minds through social media.

Representatives from Copplestone who nominated her said she has already been to the affected areas several times and gave her time to help very vulnerable people.

Locally, her nominees said she has worked tirelessly for the village, highlighting issues that affect all members of the community, adding that several things would never have evolved without her enthusiasm and initiative.

The nominees said: “We greatly admire her selflessness and drive; she is an inspiration to all of us and a shining example of how young people can really make a difference in the world.”

• If you know of a young person you would like to suggest for the award, please write to Alan Quick, Editorial Manager, Crediton Courier, 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF or email: [email protected] .

Please include as much detail about the young person and the contribution they make or have made.

Applications will be considered by a panel of trustees and further details are available from Alan at the Crediton Courier office on 01363 774263.

Alan Quick