An inspiring nine-year-old from the district helped to launch the 21st Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards at an event yesterday.

Evan Whitton, of Silsden, won the “youngster of the year” crown at last year’s awards ceremony after an eventful year which saw him bring the Paralympic torch to Yorkshire and walk to school for the first time.

Evan was born with cerebral palsy, and he had spent his life in a wheelchair until an operation last year.

Since then his determination to lead an active life has impressed family, friends and the contest's judges.

Now the Hothfield Junior School pupil has helped begin the quest to find the region’s rising stars in 2013.

The awards, sponsored by McCormicks Solicitors of Harrogate, recognise outstanding young people in the region aged under 35 who have made an impact, whether nationally, regionally or locally. To date, the awards have raised more than £950,000 for young people in Yorkshire.

Nomination forms for the 2013 Yorkshire Young Achievers’ Awards are available at yorkshire youngachievers.co.uk or by ringing Sonia Jones at McCormicks Solicitors on 01423 530630.

The closing date for entries is Friday, September 27.