A LARGE congregation applauded some outstanding young individuals from our area on St George's Day.

Some of Gloucestershire's most selfless and courageous youngsters received special certificates at The Nairac Awards 2024 which took place inside St Barnabas Church in Gloucester on Tuesday, April 23. 

This awards ceremony, established by the Gloucestershire branch of the Royal Society of St George, is held in memory of Captain Robert Nairac who joined the Second Battalion Grenadier Guards in January 1973.

Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Mr Edward Gillespie presented a salver and framed certificates to the winners who have displayed qualities, such as courage and determination, associated with Captain Nairac.

Farmor's School pupil Lola Nicoll won the The Individual Award.

Despite undergoing numerous operations, the judging panel said that Lola had demonstrated the upmost determination in overcoming her physical problems.

Plans were put in place for her to complete a shorter expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, however she exceeded everyone’s expectations and completed the whole expedition. 

She has also written a booklet about her complex surgeries to inspire parents and children facing the same journey to never give up hope.

The judges also said that she impressed everyone with her work ethic and called her as a role model. 

The inspiration youngster has decided to donate all of her award money to Bristol Children’s Hospital Cardiac Ward, which will go towards new play therapy equipment for children.

Meanwhile, the North Cerney Primary School nature quiz team received the Group Award.

Last year the small village school was victorious in the final of the Gloucestershire Nature Quiz, after competing in five other rounds beforehand.

More than 400 children from 72 different Gloucestershire schools took part in the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust competition.

The quizmaster said the North Cerney pupils were 'tremendously inspiring' and gave him hope for the future of the planet.

Pat Ayres, chairman of the Gloucestershire branch of the Royal Society of St George, said: “These awards are an opportunity to recognise exceptional Gloucestershire youngsters.  

"The awardees were chosen because they displayed some of qualities we associate with Captain Nairac - selflessness, courage and determination.”