THE search is on for Craven’s unsung heroes.

The seventh annual Craven Community Champions Awards - run by Craven District Council and supported by the Craven Herald - sets out to honour the district’s heroes and to celebrate their incredible achievements.

Nominees could be someone who goes above and beyond for their community - an individual who puts their time into volunteering, or a community group which really makes a difference. - this is an opportunity to thank them for their hard work.

The awards are split into seven categories- to celebrate those who have made an outstanding contribution to Arts and Culture, Sport and Recreation, Health and Wellbeing, and creating a Greener Craven.

There are also awards for Young Citizen of the Year, Best Community Group and Volunteer of the Year – and one person will be chosen by a panel of judges as Citizen of the Year.

Each award has been sponsored by a Craven business, including Alexander’s, Broughton Hall, Angus Fire, Principle Healthcare International, Keelham Farm Shop, The Coniston Hotel Country Estate and Spa, and Yorkshire Housing.

Councillor Wendy Hull, chairman of Craven District Council, said: “We’re delighted to be launching the Community Champions Awards once again this year. This is a truly inspiring event where we can all celebrate the wonderful people within our communities who help make Craven such a special place to live.”

She added:“I’m sure we all know somebody who goes above and beyond to help others and improve their community - so please think about who you know that makes a difference, and help us give them the recognition they deserve. We are hugely grateful to our generous sponsors for their continued support – without them, the Craven Community Champions Awards would not be possible.”

The Arts and Culture Award sets out to recognise people who have made a real difference to the arts, heritage and culture in Craven.

The panel will be looking for an individual, voluntary group or organisation who have helped promote excellence and innovation in the arts; helped to make arts and culture accessible to everyone in the community; have made a positive difference to improving the well-being of residents, and have been creative in making the most of the resources available to them.

Award sponsors, Alexander’s Bar and Kitchen, said the company was delighted to be supporting the awards once again.

A spokesman said: “The Craven Community Champions Awards are an important annual event in our calendar, giving well deserved recognition to inspirational people who are dedicated to making a real difference in their community. The team at Alexander’s would like to wish all entrants the very best of luck.”

Nomination forms are available on the Council website: cravendc.gov.uk/communitychampions. The deadline for nominations is November 29. The winners will be announced in February at the Awards Ceremony at the Coniston Hotel, when all those shortlisted will be invited to attend.