DEDICATED volunteers who strive to make a difference in their local communities will be recognised for their hard-work in the sixth annual Community Stars Awards which open for nominations today.

The honours are organised by the Telegraph & Argus and Bradford Council in a bid to ensure unsung heroes across the district are properly rewarded.

Readers are being asked to nominate people in their neighbourhoods who they feel have gone out of their way to help others.

Nominations will be whittled down by a panel of judges before Bradfordians vote from a shortlist of nominees.

Category winners will be announced at a ceremony at The Midland Hotel, on December 7, and presented with the Bradford Medal.

This year’s awards are part of the People Can Make a Difference campaign which aims to recognise the voluntary work already being carried out in the district. It encourages people to make a difference in a number of ways, such as being neighbourly, through community action or volunteering, as well as raising money for local projects.

The awards are sponsored by Better Start Bradford and this year include the Better Start Bradford Outstanding Contribution award.

This is intended to highlight efforts made by volunteers working with children under three as part of Better Start Bradford schemes in the Bowling, Barkerend, Bradford Moor and Little Horton areas of the district.

The project aims to give babies and children in these areas of Bradford a better start in life.

Councillor Abdul Jabar, the council’s portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and community safety, said: “The people of Bradford have a proud tradition of volunteering and getting involved in helping their communities so we are delighted to be working with the Telegraph & Argus to acknowledge residents who go the extra mile.

“There are lots of people who deserve a Community Stars award and I urge local people to get involved and nominate someone who has made a real difference.”

Nominations are being sought in the following categories: Volunteer, Good Neighbour, Community Group, Fundraiser, Community Champion and Young Active Citizen, as well as the new category of Better Start Bradford Outstanding Contribution.

Use the form reguarly printed in the Telegraph & Argus to nominate someone before Monday, September 26, or click here to download a copy.