AN ANNUAL search to find star Incommunities tenants has begun for the 2015 competition which celebrates the type of people who are making a positive difference in their local community.

The star awards aim to show how the social housing group's tenants are working to improve their neighbourhoods and the lives of those people living there.

Organisers are looking to see more entries from younger people this year, with two specific categories for younger tenants.

Adrienne Reid, Incommunities’ assistant chief executive, neighbourhood services, said: “Our 2015 star awards are all about celebrating our caring and talented tenants who work so hard to improve other peoples’ lives and their neighbourhoods.

“We are really keen to see lots of great entries from our younger customers with two award categories aiming to celebrate the contribution they make to brightening up life in their communities.

“Spring time is a great time to celebrate our ‘star’ tenants, so don’t hesitate and send in your entries now.”

All the winners will be announced at a special prize presentation event taking place on Monday, September 14. Special guests lined up include award-winning floral designer Jonathan Moseley and BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration.

There are seven award categories to enter, which are:

makeover - celebrating a transformed community plot or patio or a room makeover in your home;

individual garden/display - recognising a 'green fingered' star who has transformed their outdoor space;

communal garden - celebrating a local group's gardening creativity outside a sheltered scheme or block of flats;

kids corner - a special competition for under 16s who grow their own veg, plant flowering displays or get involved in garden clean-ups

For the above categories please include photos with your entry.

The remaining categories are:

rising star - recognising a young Incommunities tenant (aged under 21) who has successfully overcome a personal barrier or gone the extra mile to help a neighbour, relative or their community;

community star - recognising a special tenant or community volunteer who has helped make their neighbourhood a better place;

star team or employee - celebrating an Incommunities team or staff member who has made a positive difference to other peoples’ lives.

Entries can be made online at incommunities.co.uk, by emailing starawards@incommunities.co.uk, filling out a nomination form available from of Incommunities' offices, or by calling 01274 254104.

The deadline for entries is Friday, July 17.

Incommunities is the largest social landlord in the District with nearly 21,000 homes for rent.