Local Hero Awards 2017: It's time to nominate your unsung hero

they work tirelessly to make their communities a better place.

Perhaps the City of Edinburgh Volleyball Club will be nominated?

Whether it’s spending hours litter picking to make their street more presentable or creating a new social group to help those in need, they do all they possibly can to make a difference.

And now it’s time to nominate your unsung community champion at the Evening News Local Hero Awards.

By filling out a simple form, your nominee could be centre stage at the glittering event, picking up an accolade that recognises their hard work.

The Local Hero Awards, which have been running since 2014, will once again be held at the Assembly Rooms on George Street, where more than 300 people will gather for the star-studded event on Friday, May 12.

This year, we are asking our readers to nominate people they think are worthy of an award across 13 different categories – which include the Contribution to Local Sport award sponsored by MKM Building Supplies and the Community Champion award sponsored by Central Taxis, our event partner.

Last year, Juno Perinatal Mental Health Support were overjoyed when they lifted the community accolade.

The voluntary group provides support for mums in the city suffering from postnatal depression and other baby-related difficulties.

One of the founders of the group, Lauren Knight, said: “Winning the Community Champion award was such an honour for all at Juno, especially being nominated along with lots of other worthy winners.

“It was amazing to be recognised for the work that we do, especially since we are all volunteers.

“The best part about winning the award was that it meant we reached lots of mums who had not heard of us before.

“After the awards we had lots of inquiries with people wanting to find out more about who we are and what we do and for us that was the most important part.”

A spokesman for MKM Building Supplies said: “The Local Hero Awards is the Highlight of our year, we are glad to be given the opportunity to support such a great local cause.

“At MKM we are serious about supporting the local community.”

Farmer Autocare is this year’s headline sponsor.

Founder Sir Tom Farmer said: “I like the idea of the awards as it’s great to celebrate the work of people who never get any recognition.”

To nominate your unsung hero visit http://localheroesedin.co.uk/ or buy tickets for the event visit http://localheroesedin.co.uk/. The closing date for nomination is Monday, April 10.

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