NOMINATIONS were invited at the launch of the the Pride of Swindon 2014 awards yesterday.

Next year marks the sixth year that the awards have taken place, recognising those children and adults who have gone above and beyond to support their local communities.

Residents now have until February 3, 2014 to nominate an individual or group who they think has made a significant difference to their communities.

This year, the judges are urging nominations to make clear exactly why someone deserves the award.

Richard Crowley is the chairman of the charity CALM (Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Movement), which won an award and a £1,000 grant last year.

He said: “We were nominated by Rex Barnett and we were one of his charities during his Mayoral year – he did a lot of fundraising for us.

“He raised the most we have received, in the region of £15,000 to £20,000, so to win the award and be photographed with him was quite special.”

Anyone who has made a significant contribution to their community could be nominated, including a volunteer who has given their time selflessly for years, a child or adult who has displayed remarkable courage, a person who has helped to reduce crime in the area or someone who has helped at a sports club. A young person who should be recognised as a role model could also be a recipient, as well as an extra-special neighbour or an employee who has gone the extra mile in their role, including police officers, firefighters, doctors, nurses and teachers.

People can also nominate someone for a posthumous award, for example town crier Fred Ferris, who died last week after years of work for his community.

Swindon Mayor, Coun Nick Martin, said: “I think life is about not just doing good things, it’s also about rewarding people who do good things.

“The Pride of Swindon Awards is a fantastic way of recognising people for the good things they do.”

To nominate someone who has made a difference to your community for the Pride of Swindon Awards, follow this link to the nomination form: http://www.swindon.gov.uk/cd/Council%20and%20Democracy%20Document%20Library/Form%20-%20Pride%20of%20Swindon%202014%20Nomination.pdf

Forms will also be available in libraries throughout the town, or from the Mayor’s Office.

Send your entry to: The Pride Of Swindon Awards, Mayor’s Office, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon SN1 2JH or email prideofswindonawards@swindon.gov.uk.