YOUNG people who selflessly give up their time to take on responsibilities beyond their years are set to be recognised at the Dorset Echo Care Awards.

The awards are designed to recognise all individuals and businesses involved in care, and one category is focusing on young carers aged under 18.

This category is sponsored by Pengillys, who said they are delighted to be involved.

A spokesman added: "At Pengillys we really value young carers in our local community and therefore we are very proud to support and sponsor the Young Carer Category. Being a young carer is one of the hardest jobs around as young carers often have to deal with adult issues and take on responsibilities well beyond their years. In the Young Carer category, we are looking for young people who selflessly give up their time to look after another. Life isn't always easy for young carers and we think they should be recognised in our local community.

"Pengillys are a long established and respected law firm with offices in Weymouth and Poundbury. Their guiding principle is to provide quality legal services combining the best of traditional values and modern legal practice. Whether dealing with a complicated or relatively straight forward matter they give the same high standard of care."

The judges are looking for a young person who goes out of their way to help and support others and shows commitment to someone’s health and wellbeing.

Winners will be invited to an awards ceremony at Weymouth College on March 14. Category winners will receive a trophy and all finalists will receive a day ticket to Weymouth Sea Life.

Winners will also be featured in the category winners' coverage in the Dorset Echo and online at dorsetecho.co.uk

For more information about the awards and other categories, visit dorsetecho.co.uk/careawards

To nominate someone, email 150-250 words on why they should win to debbie.hellaby@dorsetecho.co.uk with 'Care Awards' in the subject line. Include category, name, address, contact name and phone number. Nominations close on February 17.