There’s still time if people want to nominate unsung heroes from across Stafford Borough - in what looks to be a bumper year for an annual awards scheme.

The Stafford Borough Council ‘Community Awards’ are now in their sixth year and recognise the efforts of local people, businesses, schools and other groups that help to support and improve the community.

The council has received hundreds of nominations over the last few years because of the great things being carried out throughout the borough.

The categories are Local Hero, Community Action, Sports and Leisure and Social Wellbeing. But the borough council has introduced two new awards this year for Community Learning and Sustainable Environments.

Nominations are open to all people, groups and organisations operating within the borough with projects that have been running during the last 12 months.

The closing date for nominations is 30 September - with the winners being announced at a ceremony in November. To find out more about the criteria for each category, and to nominate, go to www.staffordbc.gov.uk/communityawards.

The borough council say they have already received more entries than they had in the corresponding period last year.

The 2021 award ceremony was held at Rising Brook Community Centre and winners included Stafford and District Carers Holiday Trust, Staffordshire County Showground Vaccination Centre and Stafford Welcomes Refugees Young Volunteers Project.

Councillor Jeremy Pert, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Health, said: “I am pleased to hear there has already been a steady number of nominations coming to us and it looks as if we are on target to receive more than last year.

“This is such a great opportunity to recognise those people within our borough who put others before themselves and help make our area a wonderful place to live, work and visit - and we have added two new categories to capture even more of the good work that is going on out there in our borough, especially regarding one of our top priorities of tackling climate change.”

He added: “There are so many inspiring, selfless people in our community and the most difficult task will be determining a winner, because they are all deserving of our heartfelt thanks, recognition and respect.

“Their work often goes unnoticed, so these awards give us the opportunity to pay tribute to them and demonstrate that we value all that they do.”

More information and a full list of 2021 winners from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/communityawards.

Press Release 5937