THIS year’s Young Champions ceremony saw a wave of celebrity support for our finalists from the likes of Premier League referee Darren England, radio and television presenter Stephanie Hirst and The Apprentice star Andrea Cooper.

The messages of support encouraged this year’s finalists to shoot for the stars and urged them to be proud of their home town.

The glittering ceremony was hosted by veteran radio presenter David Dixon, although you might know him better as ‘Dixie’.

Entertaining the crowd with his signature engaging style, Dixie truly allowed this year’s winners to shine during their big moment.

With over 350 attendees making their way to the big evening, the long-anticipated wait was finally over when winners were finally crowned for all 14 categories.

Our Young Conqueror and Young Community Hero categories were just too close to call, with all three finalists scooping awards.

Having established himself as a promising upcoming musician, Jake EB entertained guests before bagging the evening’s final surprise award himself.

Jake was taken aback after coming out triumphant as this year’s Young Inspiration enjoying a congratulatory video from friends, family members and even music mogul Simon Cowell, who personally toasted him on his victory.

The ceremony was wrapped up with an emotional ballad from Jake, with the aptly-chosen ‘We Are The Champions’.

Meet our winners

Young Fundraiser: Oliver Smith

NINE-year-old Oliver Smith has completed his epic 236‑mile fundraiser equal to nine marathons, finishing at the London Mini Marathon.

Running in honour of his dad, Tom, he’s raised over £16,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity and hopes to continue raising vital funds and awareness.

Young Apprentice Jake Puddephatt-Taylor

JAKE Puddephatt-Taylor, 19, from Redbrook, is officially turning his lifelong football dream into a reality.

A devoted Barnsley FC supporter who has played the sport since he was a youngster Jake has channelled his passion into supporting his local community through coaching.

Young Carer James Kelland

JAMES Kelland redefines what it means to be a modern-day hero whilst keeping on top of his top grades at Penistone Grammar School, he serves as a medical responder at home.

He gives his mum, Emily, emergency medication during her life-threatening seizures and also gives compassion and support to his siblings, who have autism.

Young Community Hero all three winners, Ethan Hadfield, Mason Coles, Submission MMA coaches: Tristan Westcott, Jack Holden and Jacob Malkin

AT just 13 years old, passionate Barnsley FC supporter Ethan Hadfield has successfully brought a piece of the town’s football history to life.

Having founded fans’ group Tykes Union, Ethan championed a striking new mural on the wall of the Bala Street newsagents.

Amateur boxer Mason Coles is turning his athletic prowess into a massive triumph for his community.

The dedicate youngster volunteers his time at his sister’s Griffin Boxing Club, whilst conquering countless fundraisers to raise over £60,000 for Barnsley Hospice.

Coaching trio Tristan Westcott, Jack Holden, and Jacob Malkin are transforming lives on and off the mats.

Leading classes for both children and adults, these inspirational youngsters are a credit to their gym, Submission MMA, in Wombwell.

Young Sportsperson Teddy Crossley

WHETHER he is on skates or wheels, ten-year-old Teddy Crossley is proving to be an unstoppable force in both ice and inline hockey.

Teddy has scored best defender accolades, local championship titles and a fast-track spot in the under-12s division.

Young Entertainer Finley Clayton

TEN-year-old Finley Clayton from Monk Bretton is already building an impressive media career, as Heart’s ‘Showbiz Kid’.

Finley has already interviewed his favourite star, Claudia Winkleman, as well as Amanda Holden and Hugh Jackman.

Student of the Year Elias Howard

ELIAS Howard has proved he is one to watch, showing exceptional dedication to supporting his community whilst making big career moves.

The youngster has overcome every challenge to secure a part-time role at Barnsley FC and a trainee volunteer presenter with Penistone FM.

Young Entrepreneur Evie Prior

BARNSLEY College student Evie Prior, 17, is channelling her lifelong passion for Disney into an innovative new business venture.

Evie manages a complex autoimmune condition which results in severe OCD symptoms, but has turned her pain into empowerment and is set to launch her specialised Disney travel agency shortly after her 18th birthday.

Young Volunteer Bonnie Hewitt

TEN-year-old animal lover Bonnie Hewitt’s caring attitude led to her raising over £600 for the Dogs Trust.

The aspiring vet attended the charity’s Leeds and London centres, hoping to return later in life to care for the furry friends.

Special Achievement Ashton Powney

Talented goalkeeper Ashton Powney has made history by becoming the first South Yorkshire Schools player to be called up for the England Schoolboys under-18s squad since 1981.

The 17-year-old, from Bolton-upon-Dearne, already has pro clubs keeping a keen eye on his progress.

Young Conqueror, all three winners, AJ Bailey, Daisy Ashton, Noah Glazzard

EIGHT-year-old AJ Bailey is a beacon of hope, advocating for his utra-rare genetic condition.

AJ’s dedication even took him to London to be a part of former Little Mix star, Jesy Nelson’s, campaign to bring awareness to rare genetic disorders.

DAISY Ashton, 14, is facing a battle an ultra-rare and aggressive neurological disease affecting less than one in a million people.

Though the illness causes progressive muscle weakness, Daisy’s family has found a glimmer of hope in a life-altering genetic treatment trial in America.

DIAGNOSED with cerebral palsy as a toddler, Noah Glazzard, 14, has spent his life defying medical expectations.

Though doctors initially feared he might never walk Noah has pushed through immense physical challenges to train at Submission MMA, earning his yellow belt.

Young Team of the Year (Sports) Griffin Boxing Club

THE young fighters of Griffin Boxing Club are building a true boxing family in Royston.

The club’s older teens volunteer their free time to coach and mentor younger members whilst consistently backing Barnsley Hospice.

Young Team of the Year (Community) Barnsley Community Gymnastics Academy

TRADING their free time for the gym floor Sophie Whittaker, Eva Outram, Alys O’Hara, Mira Markham, and Connie Atkinson are shaping the next generation of athletes.

These dedicated gymnasts volunteer countless hours, coaching children as young as four and assisting at weekend competitions.

Young Team of the Year (Entertainment) Hot Wyre

FOUR-piece rock and indie band Hot Wyre are proof that pure passion can jumpstart a dream.

Owen Botham, George Halford, Dylan Sellars, and Sonny Buckingham quickly went from playing local pubs working their way up to to rocking festival stages and conquering Horizon’s Battle of the Bands.

Young Inspiration Jake EB Music

JAKE Edwards-Brown’s tireless determination and undeniable talent have inspired everyone who has followed his journey even catching the attention of music mogul, Simon Cowell.

Whether it’s performing at the weekend or travelling to gigs after college, he’s determined to make a name for himself in an industry that’s incredibly hard to break into.