Residents can vote for people in an award scheme which recognises the unsung heroes of Dover.

The People of Dover Awards, launched by Dover Town Council with the support of the Mercury, are aimed at thanking people who make a difference to the town or its residents.

The awards give recognition to those who help improve the quality of life for others, as well as celebrating the excellent work done by individuals, groups and businesses across the town.

The awards do not have to be for a long-standing or ongoing activity; they could be for a one-off helping hand or a special effort, someone who has gone the extra mile for the benefit for others.

There are six awards covering different categories.

They are for outstanding contributions to: Business in Dover; Beautiful Dover; Helping Your Neighbour; Health, Sport and Wellbeing; Heritage; and Voluntary and Community Work.

Scores of people were nominated for the awards, and a shortlist has been drawn up by a panel comprising Dover’s mayor Pam Brivo, former mayor Ronnie Philpott, Freeman of Dover and former Dover Mercury chief reporter Graham Tutthill and Mercury editor Graham Smith.

Cllr Brivio said: “ The awards are a way of recognising those who help to improve the quality of life for others in Dover as well as celebrating the excellent work done by individuals, groups and businesses across the town.”

'The awards are a way of recognising those who help to improve the quality of life for others in Dover' - Mayor Pam Brivio

Deadline for voting is Friday April 10.

The nominations and the categories are as follows:

Beautiful Dover:

• Dover Grammar School for Girls and Astor College for the Arts.
• Sylvie Parsons.

Business in Dover:

• Pam Drew (previous owner of Ann and Pam’s Florist).
• Richard Esdale.
• Peter Nix.

Community and Voluntary Work:

• Dover Soup Kitchen.
• Dover Lions Club.
• Deborah Gasking.

Health, Sport and Wellbeing in Dover:

• Kate Little – Dash.
• Tim Hyde.

Helping Your Neighbour:

• Chris Tyler.
• Hayley Ells – Porchlight.

Heritage of Dover:

• Derek Leach.
• Dover Greeters.
• Mike McFarnell.

To vote, click here