The search is on for the people, organisations and businesses that make a big difference in South Cambridgeshire communities.

Nominations for South Cambridgeshire District Council’s seventh annual Community Awards celebration are now open, and Council bosses are asking residents to put their community heroes forward for some well-deserved recognition.

Six gongs are up for grabs, sponsored by award-winning housebuilders, Hill:

– Village Hero – for an outstanding individual’s contributions to community life.

– Parish Councillor of the Year – for great work carried out by parish councillors, giving their time to improve the local community for everyone

– Outstanding Youth Initiative – for excellent work by youth groups and local businesses to support young people in South Cambridgeshire

– Outstanding Local Service/Amenity – for amazing services provided by local shops, pubs, post offices, libraries, and many more besides

– Environment Award – for the valuable contribution made by groups who seek to improve villages for residents in the long and short term.

– Wellbeing Award – for the many groups improving residents’ health and wellbeing, both mental and physical.

Cllr Mark Howell, South Cambridgeshire District Council cabinet member overseeing the awards, said: “We know that every week, bucket loads of passion, effort and time are put into local communities by people, clubs, charities and business owners. Who in your village deserves some recognition for making your community a great place to live? If you’ve got a name in your head, please get nominating.”

Find more information about awards categories, and nominate online, at: www.scambs.gov.uk/community-awards Nominations close on Friday 20 January 2017.

No internet access? Call Siobhan Mellon on 01954 713395 for a paper form. Awards will be presented at a special ceremony at South Cambridgeshire Hall in March 2017.