Competition to be crowned one of the winners in the Hereford Times Health and Social Care Awards is fast hotting up.

Well over 100 entries have been received for the annual awards, with the pace of nominations speeding up since lockdown was eased.

This year’s awards were delayed by the coronavirus outbreak and the health and social care system in Herefordshire reeled under the strain of coping with the impact of the pandemic locally.

But the magnificent way health and social care staff and agencies handled the pressure has prompted a flood of nominations.

It is clear that many individuals and families who rely on health and care support want to show just how much they appreciate the dedication and professionalism of those that help to look after them.

Leaders in the sector in Herefordshire say the awards are a fantastic way of acknowledging staff, and in this pandemic year that acknowledgment and celebration of their work is more important than ever.

This year’s awards ceremony will be online because of Covid, and takes place in October.

In the Health Care Team category there are scores of nominations; while many individual carers have received multiple nominations from colleagues and clients and their families.

During lockdown health and care staff were boosted by the Thursday night clapping, and there were many cases of clients family and friends doing impromptu claps.

The awards offer another chance to clients, families, colleagues and managers to pay tribute to those leading the way in care in Herefordshire.

So do you know of a health and care hero or an organisation that deserves recognition?

Entries are open until August 21 and can be done easily online at www.herefordtimes.com/awards/healthandsocialcare/

New to the awards for 2020 is a category dedicated to those looking after children and adolescents.

The categories are: Health Care Team; Care Hero; Care Home Worker; Domiciliary Home Worker; Good Nurse; Care Trainer; Child and Adolescent Health; Dementia Carer; Palliative/End of Life; Mental Health; Health Care Employer; GP Practice of the Year