DO you know a community group that goes above and beyond and makes a positive contribution to its area?

Now is the time to help it get the recognition it deserves by nominating it for a Craven District Council Community Champion Award.

The council is calling on people now to nominate their outstanding group for the community group award before nominations close later this month.

Judges will be looking for a community group that enriches people’s lives; the panel will also be looking for groups that attract and encourage new members to get involved in helping others in the community, and a group that makes itself welcoming and accessible to all.

Groups should also make a positive difference, and improve the well being of the community where it is based.

The last winner of the community group award was the Skipton and Craven Parents Group. It was set up in January, 2016, to provide a platform for parents, carers and grandparents within the Craven community to support each other, offer advice, and share ideas and community events.

The group has more than 3,000 members via its Facebook group (Skipton and Craven Parents Group) and is now a registered charity.

The community group award is sponsored by Keelham Farm Shop, a Yorkshire business for more than 40 years that opened its second shop in Skipton in 2015.

Victoria Robertshaw, its co-owner, said: “This will be the fifth year that we’ve sponsored the awards, and like previous years, we’re really looking forward to meeting and celebrating those who go above and beyond for their community.

“Sponsoring the awards has allowed us to build lasting relationships with previous winners, including Skipton Tennis Centre who hosted their summer open day at our shop, and Clapham Community Shop, who have visited Keelham to swap ideas.

“There are so many people doing good things that make a positive difference for others and it’s fantastic that we’re able to help shine the spotlight on them in this way.”

Winners of all the community awards, which also include volunteer of the year, and a greener craven award, will be announced at the ceremony to be hosted by the Coniston Hotel, Coniston Cold, on February 13, all shortlisted nominees will be invited to the ceremony.

Nominations for all categories close on Sunday, November 10.

Forms are available on the council website:cravendc.gov.uk/communitychampions, from shops, libraries or service.