We want to find the people who go above and beyond to make a real difference to their communities.

With your help we want to pay tribute to the individuals who, through their sense of community spirit, compassion, and can-do attitude, have transformed or enhanced the lives of others.

There are two categories in this section – Community Service, to recognise the efforts of people in their neighbourhoods, and Public Service, to recognise excellence by those employed to serve us.

Peopke such as Sharon Lay, 37, of Bartle Court, Wilsden, who worked for the Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as a domestic violence midwife until a car accident two years ago left her with a permanent neck injury.

She now volunteers as a speaker about domestic violence on a police citizenship course for ten to 11-year-olds.

“The thought of staying at home sends me mad – I thought, I have to do something, and I was invited to talk to young people about abuse.

“You can sometimes see people that are really listening, and that makes it rewarding.”

Mrs Lay set up the domestic violence training programme when she realised there was a need in Bradford.

She wrote a business proposal and conducted research in her own time before leading workshops, aimed at anybody in the midwifery service.

She said: “I went on a study day about domestic violence and realised we didn’t have a policy about domestic violence here.

“I went to our services manager and brought it to light. I wanted everyone to be aware how common it is, what to do and how to find the warning signs. The feeling of helping people and then teaching somebody else how to help people is great. You can affect someone’s life so much.

“Having had to retire, knowing I have made a difference makes it a lot easier knowing I went that extra mile to make things better.”

Mrs Lay is married with a son and a daughter. She is also an independent visitor to children in foster care.

* To nominate an individual or group for any of our categories, click on the Bradford’s Best logo on our website or look out for more nomination forms in the T&A each week.