LEDBURY'S deputy mayor, Cllr Keith Francis is asking Ledbury people to nominate the town's community champions for a county-wide award.

The hope is that the town's unsung heroes in the community will get recognition and a cash prize.

Nominations for the new Herefordshire Community Champions Award must be in by noon March 14, and the five categories include volunteer of the year; apprentice of the year; the greatest achievement award; the local community award for improving an area and the environment, and the youth champion award.

Cllr Francis, speaking at a recent town council meeting said: "We need to work hard to publicise this award, and I hope we can have a number of people from this town nominated for it."

Cllr Francis added that he personally planned to make contact with local organisations and businesses and said that local schools, such as the John Masefield High School, should also be contacted.

He added: "This is a new award, being promoted by Herefordshire Council.

"The winner in each category will receive a trophy and cash prize of £500."

A shortlist will be chosen from each award category by a panel of judges, who will consider the information on the nomination forms.

Three finalists for each category will then be chosen and they will be invited to an awards evening in Hereford, to take place on Friday, April 29, where the overall winners will be announced.

Nomination forms are available now from the Ledbury Town Council Offices in Church Lane.

Once completed, these should be sent to The Chairman of the Council, Plough Lane, Hereford, HR4 OLE.