The Mayor of Ross-on-Wye, Colin Gray is hoping that lots of local residents are nominated for the new Herefordshire Community Champions Awards, aimed at recognising extraordinary contributors to their community and achievers throughout the county.

The award categories for 2016 are Volunteer of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, Greatest Achievement Award, Local Community Award and Youth Champion.

Councillor Gray told the Ross Gazette that Ross relies on many volunteers going above and beyond to help others and their community. He said:?“We all know someone who should be recognised for what they achieve and by nominating them for these awards we can ensure they are given the recognition they deserve.”

There are thousands of volunteers in the area and the help and support they provide is vital to those in need, you can nominate them for the Volunteer of the Year Award.

The application for Apprentice of the Year needs to be endorsed by the apprenticeship employer and seeks to celebrate an apprentice’s exceptional contribution and achievement in their workplace.

The Local Community Award aims to recognise a person or group who has significantly improved their area and community environment.

The Greatest Achievement Award will go to a person who has shown incredible determination or achieved great things in the face of adversity.

The Youth Champion Award is for a young person who through caring, by volunteering, by achieving, or showing spirit beyond expectation is an example to their peers, it is open to anyone under the age of 18.

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

The award nominations are open until Monday, March 14th.

Complete the Herefordshire Community Champions awards online nomination form which is at https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/champions16 or you can download a printable version of the form to complete and post to the Chairman of the Council, Herefordshire Council, Plough Lane, Hereford HR4 0LE.