TIME is running out to nominate someone who has gone above and beyond and made an outstanding contribution to their community.

Craven District Council’s annual community champion awards, supported by the Craven Herald, will be announced early next year at a ceremony held at The Coniston Hotel, with individuals and organisations recognised for all the work they do .

And, they include volunteer of the year, which this year was won by Martyn Hughes, a retained firefighter based at Skipton Fire Station who has thrown himself into the task of raising money for children’s charity Candlelighters, in support of a local boy, William Bramley.

The volunteer of the year award rewards an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their community through volunteering.

The awards panel of judges will be looking for someone who has shown a commitment to a cause or to an organisation, and who has acted as a role model, or ambassador, for volunteering

They will also have motivated and inspired others to get involved in their cause or organisation, and will have made a positive difference and improved the well being of residents, or a community, in general.

The award is sponsored by Angus Fire, a global leader in firefighting technology based in High Bentham.

A spokesman for the firm said: “As one of the area’s biggest employers, we are passionate about our local 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.

“Our life-saving fire-fighting products are synonymous with the community and we are very pleased to sponsor and give our continuing support to the Volunteer of the Year Award which recognises and rewards an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their community in 2019. 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.”

Winners of all the awards will be announced on February 6 at the Coniston Hotel, Coniston Cold, for a ceremony attended by all short-listed nominees.

There are seven awards in all, including awards for sport and recreation, for health and wellbeing, and one for the best community group.

Nomination forms, which must be completed by November 10, are available on the council website: cravendc.gov.uk/communitychampions, and also from participating shop or service, library or doctors surgery.