Who are the district’s community heroes?

These awards are designed to honour individuals of oustanding merit who have gone that extra mile to help others, and the Council wants to hear from you if you know someone who merits an award.

Perhaps they are someone who displayed remarkable courage, a local champion who improved facilities in your area, a tireless charity fundraiser, a community activist who has helped promote good relations or a young person who has made an outstanding contribution to their community or school?

To ensure that individuals from all walks of life and all parts of the district are recognised at these awards, nominations are being sought across eleven categories.

They include Youth Initiatives; Young Person of the Year (aged 16 and under); Protecting, Promoting and Enhancing our Heritage and Environment; Making Communities Safer; Encouraging Healthier Lifestyles; Promoting Equality and Good Relations; Arts and Entertainment; Outstanding Bravery; Fundraiser of the Year; Lifetime Achievement; and Voluntary Community Work. The judges may also make a discretionary Outstanding Achievement of the Year award.

Nominations are invited from all sections of the community. Nomination forms are available from Council facilities including the Civic Building, Old Town Hall, F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio, Banbridge Leisure Centre, Dromore Community Centre, Gilford Community Centre and Rathfriland Community Centre. It can also be downloaded from the council website at www.banbridge.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can request a nomination form from the Council’s Leisure and Development Department on 4066 0605.

Speaking about the awards, Council Chairman Junior McCrum, said: “There is so much good work being undertaken by individuals in the community which often goes unnoticed. These awards will in some way recognise the special work that these unsung heroes and heroines do in helping to make the Banbridge District a better place in which to live. Many of us will know an individual who has made a big difference – so this is an ideal opportunity to acknowledge their selfless work and to officially thank them for their hard work and commitment to others.”

Head of Community Services for Banbridge District Council, Pamela Matthews, added: “We held a similar awards event three years ago and received a considerable number of nominations across the categories. This time we would like to receive an even greater number of nominations. I would encourage everyone to think about who has made a positive impact in their community. By making a nomination you are publicly thanking those who deserve recognition for what they have achieved.”

All nominees will be invited to attend a gala awards ceremony in the Belmont Hotel on Wednesday 27 March 2013 where the results will be announced.

Information about the qualifying criteria for nominees is stated on the nomination form. All nominations will be considered by an awards committee.

The closing date for receiving nominations is 12 noon on Thursday 28 February 2013. Nominations received after this date cannot be considered.

The awards are also sponsored by the Banbridge Chronicle and the County Down Outlook,