IT has for some time been our privilege at the Hereford Times to host two big, glitzy annual award evenings.

They are wonderful, uplifting occasions that are hugely enjoyed by all those who attend.

One celebrates the farming industry, the other the health and social care sector.

Both are of great importance to Herefordshire. Farming is our biggest industry and underpins our economy, while health and social care touches all our lives at some point – often when we or our loved ones are at our most vulnerable.

So we know our awards will salute, as they always do, some remarkable people doing jobs of enormous value.

But this year things will be different.

This has been the year of coronavirus, a year that has truly made heroes of ordinary people.

As the pandemic wreaked its havoc on our lives, bringing tragedy and heartbreak to some, the nominees for our awards have soldiered on.

Farmers continued to produce food, sometimes struggling to cope with a workforce severely depleted by lockdown restrictions.

Meanwhile, some of those in health and social care were putting their lives on the line in the fight against Covid.

There are, surely, some amazing stories to be told and outstanding people to be honoured.

And we want to hear about them! Find out how to submit nominations here: