WE may have seen the last of the Craven Community Champion Awards; but the hunt is now on to find the unsung heroes of North Yorkshire.

The North Yorkshire Community Awards are held every year and cover the whole of the county, including Craven. Held in order to honour those volunteers who make a difference in their community, it recognises both organisations and individual volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time to improving lives.

This year, North Yorkshire Council has introduced a new category aimed at celebrating those who have launched initiatives to tackle climate change and support the natural environment.

The winner of each of the three categories will receive £1,000 for the project, group or nominated relevant local charity in the case of the volunteer awards. Two runners-up in each category will receive £250. Each finalist will receive a trophy and a framed certificate.

The categories are: • Best community group – awarded to groups carrying out voluntary activity/activities.

• Volunteer of the year – awarded to individual volunteers carrying out voluntary activity/activities.

• Caring for the environment – for groups who have demonstrated a commitment to delivering community-based initiatives that protect, restore and enhance our natural environment, helping to tackle the causes and impacts of climate change or supporting nature to thrive.

Councillor David Ireton, who represents Bentham and Ingleton on the council, which replaced North Yorkshire County Council and Craven District Council on April 1, said he hoped as many people and groups as possible would be nominated.

“The community awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of individuals and community groups across the county.

“We are excited to be introducing a new category for 2023. The nominations will shine a light on the inspirational work that is happening to tackle climate change on a local level.

“These last few years have been incredibly difficult for many, with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and current cost of living crisis leaving many residents struggling."

He added: “The awards are more important than ever to highlight the work of volunteers who go out of their way to improve the lives of others."

Finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony at the North Yorkshire Wider Partnership Conference at the Pavilions of Harrogate, North Yorkshire Showground, on the morning of October 27.

The closing date for nominations is June 4. Nomination forms can be completed online at www.northyorks.gov.uk/communityawards; where people will also be able to read further information on the terms and conditions and eligibility criteria.