Residents and businesses are urged to submit their nominations ahead of the deadline for this year's Richmond Community Heroes awards.

With less than two weeks until the November 9 deadline, the council is urging people to nominate any inspiring individual, group, or business who deserves recognition for the work they have done in the community,

The Community Heroes programme is a chance to highlight and celebrate the commitment of the people and groups living and working in Richmond upon Thames, who improve the lives of their communities and represent the borough through their commitment to others and excellence in what they do.

The council said winners could be anyone from a young person who has led their peers through being a good example, someone who supports the elderly in their community, or a group who helps look after their local park.

Nominations can be made for work directly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as other work not directly linked to the pandemic, but all work must have been carried out in a voluntary capacity.

Awards will once again be offered in specific categories, to reflect the breadth of voluntary work being done in communities.

Cllr Michael Wilson, Vice Chair of Richmond Council’s Finance, Policy and Resource Committee said:

“We have already received over 80 nominations for local individuals and groups – all of them have committed hours and hours to helping improve the lives of others who live in our borough, without expecting anything in return.

“This year we know that even more people have donated their time to help people through the pandemic – we want to recognise their efforts and say a big thank you on behalf of the borough.

“If you received help or support over the past few weeks or months, please nominate them now.”

Visit www.richmond.gov.uk/community_heroes to submit your nomination for any category by Monday 9 November and find out more about last year’s winners.

You can also find hard copies of the nomination form in the Civic Centre or your local library.