Last year’s winners at the ceremony

BBC Sussex seeks Community Heroes

BBC Sussex announces the return of their Community Heroes Awards for 2018. This is the eighth year of these awards, recognising unsung heroes from across Sussex, with entries being sought in a variety of categories, designed to reflect everything from volunteers to young achievers.

This year’s categories are as follows:

Young Achiever: Awarded to anyone aged 18 or under, who has demonstrated maturity beyond their years

999: Presented to a member of the emergency services or the armed forces for commitment to their profession

Sport: Awarded to an individual or group who has contributed to local sporting life, either playing a sport or encouraging others to do, such as through acting as a referee, official or coach

Carer: Someone who cares for an individual or group of people on a regular basis

Good Neighbour: Awarded to an individual or organisation that helps make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness or courage

Fundraiser: An individual or group who has gone the extra mile to raise funds for a charity or good cause

Volunteer: Awarded to a person or group who gives up their time voluntarily to help out a charity or good cause

Animal Welfare: An individual or group who goes out of their way to care for animals

Music and Arts: Awarded to an individual or group showcasing local creative talent – Everything from community choirs to talented actors

Mark Carter, Assistant Managing Editor and presenter at BBC Sussex, has overseen the awards since their launch in 2011. “I’m thrilled to see the return of our Community Heroes Awards,” Mark said. “The popularity of these awards grows every year and I’m always amazed at the incredible number of people from all walks of life who go the extra mile to help others. I’d encourage everyone to get nominating now!”

Interested in making a nomination – or nominations? Tell BBC Sussex who you’d like to suggest and why – in no more than 250 words – remembering to include your name, address and contact number. Entries should then be emailed to: heroes@bbc.co.uk. Alternatively, they can be posted to: BBC Sussex, Broadcasting Centre, 40-42 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XB.

Nominations can be made from Monday 11 June 2018 until the closing date of midnight on Sunday 7 October 2018. Find all the terms and conditions at www.bbc.co.uk/bbcsussex

All those who make the shortlist will be invited to a special evening of celebration at the Gatwick Crowne Plaza Hotel on Monday 26 November. The overall winners in each category will receive a specially engraved trophy. The event will then be broadcast on the radio.

BBC Sussex broadcasts across Sussex on 95.3, 104.5 and 104.8FM, DAB digital radio, Freeview 720 and online at www.bbc.co.uk/bbcsussex

Also in: Hastings People