NOMINATIONS for the 2017 Herefordshire Community Champions awards are now being invited.

Following the successful launch of the awards last year, Herefordshire Council, in partnership with Cargill and the Hereford Times is once again asking for your nominations.

The awards recognise exceptional contributions to the community and outstanding achievers in the county.

In launching this year’s competition, Councillor Brian Wilcox, chairman of the council, said: "Herefordshire has so many brilliant people. Following last year’s successful launch, we want to make this an annual competition to recognise that wealth of ability and achievement over the past year.

"I am grateful to the Hereford Times and our sponsors Cargill, together with the Mayors of the city and all the market towns, for supporting this initiative and hope that people will come forward to nominate those deserving to be considered for these awards as champions in our community.”

Nominations are invited from people in Herefordshire, who have demonstrated commitment to making a positive difference in their community.

It is a way of thanking these amazing individuals and groups.

Mary Thompson, managing director for Cargill’s European poultry business, said: "We are delighted to support these awards. We are proud members of the Herefordshire community and we know that there are many unsung heroes in the county, working quietly in the background, helping and supporting those around them.

"I feel that these awards will be a great platform to showcase their contributions and will also provide inspiration to others to do something positive for their community."

The categories are Volunteer of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, Caring Champion, Sustainability Champion and Youth Champion.

The competition is open from January 12 to 12pm on Wednesday, February 22.

To find out more, or submit nominations, visit herefordshire.gov.uk/champions17. Paper nomination forms are also available from any of the market town councils’ offices or at the Town Hall and Plough Lane offices in Hereford.