Olympic gold medallist Peter Wilson comes to Yeovil

Olympic Gold Medallist, Peter Wilson, will be in Yeovil this October to honour local community heroes.

The London 2012 double trap shooting gold medallist will be attending the Gold Star Awards on October 30, organised by the Community Health and Leisure Team at South Somerset District Council.

The awards are held in order to reward unsung local heroes who volunteer with young people.

Peter Wilson, who won a gold medal at the London 2012 Games is keen to recognise the hard but unacknowledged work that local volunteers give:

He commented: "I was very keen to help out with the Gold Star awards as it is important to recognise the hard work that volunteers working with young people put in every day.

"It is great to have the opportunity to give something back to these unsung heroes.

He added: "I also hope that following the Olympics and Paralympics this event will help to inspire local sporting talent to go on to reach their full potential."

Last year, approximately 400 people attended the ceremony and this year's event is set to be the largest Gold Star awards yet because the council have decided to incorporate achievements made in the fields of sport and art.

The awards event will also include a variety show before Peter Wilson's appearance. Those who attend can enjoy local talent including music, martial arts, gymnastics and a magician.

South Somerset District Council still wants locals to nominate worthy volunteers, organisations and sportspeople who should be rewarded for their hard work this year.

Steve Barnes, the Young Peoples Officer at South Somerset District Council explained:

"So many people put in hours of their own time to help young people in South Somerset. and this night is to celebrate the incredible work that they do.

"We are also delighted to recognise sporting achievement in this amazing summer of sport.

"There are eleven awards to give out on the night but there are so many unsung heroes that I wish we could reward them all.

To nominate you can either visit www.southsomerset.gov.uk/goldstars or call 01935 462462 and ask for a nomination form.

Cllr Sylvia Seal, South Somerset's Portfolio Holder for Leisure & Culture feels the awards are an important community event.

She said: "It is these dedicated volunteers, coaches and sportspeople that make the youth clubs, groups and sports clubs tick.

"This event is about giving something back to these people as well as recognising the level of sporting achievement in South Somerset."

If you wish to attend the Gold Star awards there is no cost but you must e-mail leisure@southsomerset.gov.uk