F you know a sporting hero who gives up their time to help young people - or perhaps someone who improves the health and wellbeing of those in their community, now is the time to nominate them for a Craven Community Champion award.

The Sport and Recreation Award recognises and celebrates those who have made an outstanding contribution to amateur sport or physical activity in Craven.

They might be someone who is working hard to provide tennis opportunities to the community or who is working with schools to inspire the next generation of cyclists or athletes - why not nominate them today?

The awards panel will be looking for someone who has motivated and inspired others to participate in physical activity, and who has helped to make physical activity more accessible to everyone in their community.

The judges will also be looking for someone who has helped to promote excellence in their field of activity, and who has made a positive difference to improving the well-being of residents.

They will also have worked creatively to make the most of the resources available to them.

A spokesman for award sponsors, Melvin and Co, boutique hair salon in Skipton, said: “Melvin and Co are incredibly proud to sponsor this year’s Community Champions Awards. We place people - our clients- at the heart of everything we do and the awards recognise those inspiring people at the heart of the community, those who go above and beyond to make Craven a better place and enrich the lives of others. “We are honoured to be part of these awards and to help say ‘thank-you’ on behalf of the community.”

Last year’s winner of the Sport and Recreation Award was North Ribblesdale RUFC, a rugby club based in Settle which has transformed its second pitch, providing fit-for-purpose facilities so all club members can benefit throughout the year. The club has dozens of teams, all run by volunteers.

The community awards are run by Craven District Council, with the support of the Craven Herald, and several sponsors. Nominations need to be received by November 10. Forms are available from participating shops, services, library or doctors surgery, or online from:cravendc.gov.uk/communitychampions.

The winners of each of the seven awards, including volunteer of the year and best community group, will be announced at the awards ceremony due to take place at the Coniston Hotel and Country Estate, Coniston Cold, on February 6.

Everyone shortlisted for an award will be invited to the ceremony.