Nxt Gen 2026: Nottinghamshire’s young stars take centre stage at police awards ceremony, supported by Nottingham City Transport

Inspirational young people from across Nottinghamshire took the spotlight at a glittering police awards ceremony celebrating courage, creativity and resilience.

Nottinghamshire Police’s Nxt Gen Awards returned in style on Friday 8th May 2026, with a show-stopping evening featuring talented singers and carnival dance troupe performances. The red carpet was rolled out as guests enjoyed an evening of entertainment and hospitality, and could also enjoy circus-style acrobat, street dance, and graffiti wall activities.

In total, 13 winners and runners-up were recognised on the night, honouring young people who have shown exceptional resilience, selflessness and talent, or who have overcome adversity to inspire others.

More than 120 young people were nominated this year. Winners and runners-up attended the ceremony at Nottinghamshire Police’s headquarters in Arnold, where they were presented with trophies, certificates and prizes in recognition of their outstanding efforts.

Nottingham City Transport sponsored the Youth Impact Award, which is awarded to a young person who is leading by example and is a role model to their peers through student, sport, or youth work.

Anthony Carver-Smith, NCT Head of Marketing and Projects presented the award to 15 year old Jake Marshall.

Jake has been living with Crohn's disease for the last five years, which has meant he’s had to spend a lot of time in hospital and away from school. However, despite his health challenges, the 15-year-old is described by his teachers as ‘an absolute star’ who is ‘brave, upbeat, and always thoughtful of others’. Jake’s caring and thoughtful nature has even made a positive impact on his bus driver, always being willing to help out and assist the pupils on the bus. To show his appreciation, the driver gave Jake a treasured personal item - The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal - which he had previously been awarded in recognition of his time spent in the Ambulance Service.

Celebrating Jake’s win, Anthony said “Jake is a very worthy winner of the Youth Impact Award, and despite his personal health challenges, he goes above and beyond to be a good role model to others. It was a pleasure to spend the evening with his proud parents and teachers, recognising this inspirational young man. NCT offers its congratulations to Jake on winning this award”.

The category runner-up was Ted Porter-Sutton, aged nine. Ted was praised for his relentless work campaigning for inclusive play equipment to be installed in his local park.

Tremayne Blair is Nottinghamshire Police’s youth outreach lead, whose engagement team help organise the awards each year. He said: “Congratulations to all our winners and runners-up, your outstanding achievements are deserving of recognition. At Nottinghamshire Police, we champion the amazing work young people are doing across the county, and it is wonderful to hear their powerful stories. Each year we receive so many worthy nominations showcasing the incredible talent of Nottinghamshire’s youngsters, and it is no easy task to shortlist the winners and runners-up. The Nxt Gen Awards are just one way we are strengthening relationships with our communities and working with young people, schools, and colleges to give them a voice and a platform to celebrate their achievements. I would also like to extend my thanks to all of the event sponsors, without whose support this event simply would not have been possible.”

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden added: “The Nxt Gen Awards shine a light on something truly special: the achievements, resilience and potential of our young people across the county. These awards matter because too often we only hear negative stories in the media about young people. But events like this tell a different story. We are proud to celebrate young people who are stepping up rather than stepping back, making positive choices, contributing to their communities, and showing what is possible when talent is met with opportunity and support.”