THE deadline for nominating local heroes for the Mayor’s Pride Awards is approaching fast.

Entries are open until 5pm on Monday, December 19, to celebrate the unsung heroes of St Albans and the surrounding area.

The awards are an opportunity to give credit to those in the district who go the extra mile for others, who have shown great strength in the face of adversity and never ask for praise for themselves. Outstanding community groups will also be recognised.

Organised by St Albans district council, the awards are in association with the Herts Advertiser and St Albans District Centre for Voluntary Service (CVS).

Mayor Cllr Aislinn Lee said: “We have been delighted by the response so far but there is still a chance to nominate a group or person for any of the categories.”

She added: “We have some wonderful people in our district who go out of their way for the benefit of others so please nominate someone whom you think deserves recognition.”

Community project officer, Ricky Manning, added: “We are keen to get lots of people involved in nominating their local heroes.”

Once categories have closed, entries will be shortlisted based on the ‘reasons for nominating’ given on the nomination form.

Nomination categories include:

n Community Champion of the Year (for an individual who gives up their time for others);

n Cultural Innovation Award (for a creative individual or group whose ideas inspire others);

n Young Person of Distinction (for someone under 18 whose energy, positivity or talent is an inspiration);

n Local Hero Award (an individual aged over 16 who has committed an act of extraordinary bravery or has served the community long term);

n Community Project of the Year (for an individual or group whose outstanding project has made a difference to the local area);

n Community Orientated Business of the Year (for a St Albans business working in the public or voluntary sector whose initiatives benefit the community);

n Environmental Champion of the Year (for an individual or group which has shown exemplary innovation or commitment to green projects);

n Voluntary Sector Award (for an individual or group whose voluntary work has made a big difference in the community);

n Inclusive Communities Award (for a community initiative that unites people from different ethnic backgrounds, faiths or socio-economic groups).

Launched last year by 2010-11 Mayor Maxime Crawley, the awards formed part of her themed year entitled Celebrating our District Together.

The awards ceremony will be held at the Alban Arena on April 26, 2012.

To book tickets for the 2012 awards ceremony visit www.alban-arena.co.uk/whats-on.