IF you know a young person or a volunteer who has done something exceptional or has gone the extra mile to make a positive contribution to Craven, now is your chance to nominate them for a Community Champions Award.

The Young Citizen of the Year Award will be given to someone between 11 and 25 years old, who has made a positive difference in their community.

Last year's winner, Catherine Sawyer, 16, helped secure an Heritage Lottery Grant of nearly £50,000 to create a heritage project for young people - Tom Twisleton 100.

Judges will be looking for those who have made a real impact, who has shown exceptional commitment, and who has brought people together from different backgrounds. They will also have inspired others by overcoming an obstacle, or by going beyond the call of duty.

A spokesman for award sponsors, the Coniston Hotel, which is also providing the venue for the awards ceremony, said:“It is with great pride that the hotel, country estate and spa once again sponsors this award. It’s fantastic to see so many rising stars throughout the community who dedicate their time and effort to others.”

Meanwhile, the Volunteer of the Year Award rewards an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their community through volunteering.

Last year, it went to Fiona Protheroe, who is involved in a huge range of volunteering efforts throughout Craven, including Craven Refugee Support, the Refugee Council, the Skipton FairTrade Initiative Group, the Friends of Aireville Park and St Stephen’s Cubs.

Nominees for the award will need to have shown commitment to a cause or organisation, have acted as a role model, and have motivated and inspired others. They will also have made a positive difference and improved the well-being of residents or a community in general.

A spokesman for Angus Fire, a global leader in firefighting technology, based in High Bentham, said: “As one of the area’s biggest employers, we are passionate about our community and see it as our responsibility to recognise the people and projects that strive to continuously improve the community where we live and work.We value the opportunity to recognise the achievements of those who live and work in Craven and who make such a valuable contribution to our local communities.”

Nomination forms are available on Craven District Council's website: cravendc.gov.uk/communitychampions. Nominations need to be done before November 29. The winners will be announced on February 21 at the awards ceremony at the Coniston Hotel.