CRAVEN District Council is proud to launch the eighth annual Craven Community Champions Awards supported by the Craven Herald.

The awards, which will be announced early next year, honour the district’s heroes and celebrate their incredible achievements.

From today, the council will welcome nominations for someone who goes above and beyond for their community, an individual who puts their time into volunteering, or a community group which really makes a difference.

The awards are split into seven categories, to celebrate those who have made an outstanding contribution to arts and culture, sport and recreation, health and wellbeing, and creating a greener Craven. There are also awards for ‘young citizen of the year’, ‘best community group’ and ‘volunteer of the year’ – and one person will be chosen by a panel of judges as ‘citizen of the year’.

Councillor Paul Whitaker, Chairman of Craven District Council, said: “The awards are a real highlight of the year and we’re delighted to be launching them once again in 2019.

“This is a fantastic occasion and allows us all to celebrate the inspiring people within our communities who go above and beyond, to help make Craven such a great place to live.

“I’m sure we all know somebody who does amazing things to help others and improve their community, whether it’s in the field of sport, arts, health, or the environment. You might know someone who volunteers for a huge range of organisations, or a young person who dedicates their time and effort for others.”

He added: “I would urge our residents - please have a think about who you might know that makes a real difference, and help us recognise and celebrate their work. “

Cllr Whitaker also paid tribute to all the businesses who sponsored the awards, without whose support it would not go ahead.

Each award has been sponsored by a local business, including Alexander’s, Broughton Hall, Angus Fire, Keelham Farm Shop, The Coniston Hotel Country Estate and Spa, Smart Solutions, Melvin and Co Skipton and Yorkshire Housing. And, for the first time this year, Holt Doctors is the associate sponsor for the awards.

Francesca Salvini, head of marketing at Holt Doctors, said: “Holt Doctors are incredibly proud to be a part of this year’s Community Champions Awards – awards like these open our eyes to the sheer amount of good we have within our community.

“They bring us together and spark up a collaboration which everybody can get involved in. We’re excited to see which individuals are put forward and credited for their hard work and dedication this year and we wish you all the best of luck.”

The winners will be announced on February 6, next year, at the awards ceremony, to be hosted by the Coniston Hotel and Country Estate at Coniston Cold. Everyone who has been shortlisted to receive an award will be invited to attend.

Nomination forms are available from the council website from today at: cravendc.gov.uk/communitychampions Nominations close on November 10.