THE SEARCH IS ON FOR BABERGH'S COMMUNITY HEROES

Babergh District Council is looking for young people, individuals, voluntary groups and businesses that make communities special as it launch its 19^th annual awards scheme.

 The Community Achievement Awards aims to honour those individuals and groups who make a real difference in their community and help to build a better place in which to live and work.

Nomination forms are winging their way to schools, parish and town councils, businesses, voluntary groups and charities and Babergh is urging anyone who knows someone who may be eligible to grab a form and nominate!

This year’s award categories are: outstanding contribution made by a young person or group of young people 18 years or under; selfless service by an individual (over 18) to a voluntary body or to the community; voluntary or community group that improves the quality of life for residents in our district and outstanding business contribution to the well-being of the community.

The deadline for nominations to be returned to Babergh is the 30^th November 2010, with judging taking place in early December and all winners notified by Christmas. Winners will then be invited to an awards ceremony being held on 9^th March 2011.

Jill Barton, Babergh’s Community Development Officer, said: “It is amazing that the scheme has been running for 19 years and there are still so many unrecognised people in our communities who give up their time voluntarily to serve others and we need to hear about all of them.

“Without these individuals our communities would not thrive and grow and this is our way of saying thank you by recognising their commitment and dedication.”

Mark Murphy, from BBC Radio Suffolk’s Breakfast programme, will compere the achievement awards ceremony and Prolog, of Sudbury, will sponsor the event for the tenth year.

Further information and nomination forms are available from Jill Barton, Community Development Officer, Babergh District Council, Corks Lane, Hadleigh, Ipswich IP7 6SJ, by calling (01473) 826674 or emailing jill.barton@babergh.gov.uk.

Nomination forms, award criteria and list of recognised voluntary organisations are also available on Babergh’s website: www.babergh.gov.uk/babergh/communityawards