People are being given the chance to recognise the borough’s hidden heroes, as nominations open for the Volunteer Swale Awards 2017.

Organised by Swale council and supported the Sheerness Times Guardian and Sittingbourne News Extra, they recognise the hard work of those special individuals who give their time to put something back into their community.

This year the categories are:

• Young Swale Volunteer Champion of the Year (18 years or under)
• Swale Volunteer Champion of the Year (19 years-plus);
• Volunteering contribution to the environment (A volunteer or team in the environmental sector)
• Volunteering contribution to sport (A volunteer or team in the sport and leisure sector)
• Voluntary Project of the Year (Recognising standalone projects delivered within the community that focus on health and wellbeing, creativity, culture, heritage or young people. These projects or initiatives could be delivered by voluntary, community or business organisations.)
• Fundraising Award (Team or individual, focusing on the method used rather than the amount raised)
• Voluntary Team of the Year (recognising the achievements and hard work of a team – this could be the management team of a voluntary or community organisation, a board of school governors, board of trustees or a coaching team for a local sports club).

One person from all the nominations will be selected as the winner for the Community Inspiration Award.

There will also be an overall outstanding achievement award.

Council leader Cllr Andrew Bowles (Con) said: “Across Swale so many volunteers tirelessly give their time.

“Each and every one of them deserves a huge thank you.

“Our Volunteer Swale Awards means we can give some of them the recognition they are due.

“If you know an exceptional volunteer or team of volunteers who have gone above and beyond help us say thank you by nominating them for a Volunteer Swale award.”

Editor Matt Ramsden said: “We’re absolutely delighted to support the awards once again this year.

“They shine a light on the borough’s best people doing valuable work which benefits so many.”

Nominations are open until midnight on Friday, December 16.

You can put someone forward by completing the online form at www.swale.gov.uk/volunteer-swale

You can also submit any supporting photos or videos by emailing these with the name of the nominee to volunteer@swale.gov.uk

People can download a nomination form to complete at www.swale.gov.uk/volunteer-swale.

This can be scanned and emailed to volunteer@swale.gov.uk or Freepost - Freepost RTJT-RZTJ-KYZK Volunteer Swale, CSU, Swale council, Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3BR.

Finally, the organisers would like to see nominations via social media. Post pictures, videos or anything else on Twitter to support your nomination to @volunteerswale or @SwaleBoroughCouncil