Two Bucks child authors have launched a national awards ceremony to honour talented youngsters.
Onkaar Nijjer, 13, and Avneet Nijjer, 11, from South Buckinghamshire, have launched the 2024 SHINE Awards to recognise the achievements of young people across the country.
The brother and sister duo, who have experienced success as child authors, will host the event at Bourne Hall in Epsom, Surrey, on November 16.
The SHINE Awards aim to celebrate the inspirational achievements of young people while raising money for charities.
Onkaar said: "My sister and I became authors after we both won separate writing competitions when we were younger.
"The feeling of my work being recognised helped my confidence and gave me the encouragement I needed to keep writing.
"I'm now a bestselling author but I would not have got to where I am today without people believing in me.
"We want to ignite a flame in other awesome young people so they can go on to make their dreams come true."
Nominations are now open for the SHINE Awards, with categories including the Entrepreneur Award, Sporting Award, Expression Award, Environmental Award, Drama Award, and Community Award.
Anyone aged between 5-18 years old who is making a difference or involved in these categories can be nominated.
The deadline for nominations is October 31.
Onkaar and Avneet have co-written two books: ‘A Kid’s View on Confidence’ and ‘A Kid’s View on Nature’, with Onkaar also writing ‘Everyday Mindset.’
The pair have also collaborated with local radio stations and schools, appeared on Blue Peter, and supported charities such as Save the Children, WaterAid, and Place2Be.
Together, Onkaar and Avneet form the M.A.D. team which stands for Mindful, Appreciative, Driven to make a difference in our world.
The M.A.D. team is run by children, for children and their parents. Members get access to resources that offer fun and engaging ways to get young people motivated in their daily lives.
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