PEOPLE in the Wyre Forest area who work to help improve the quality of lives for others are to be rewarded through a new community awards scheme.

The annual scheme, launched by Vestia Community Trust and Wyre Forest District Council in association with The Shuttle, aims to recognise individuals, groups and businesses that make Wyre Forest a better place to live, work and visit.

Nominees are invited for those who have either given outstanding service to the community, brought credit to the area, improved the quality of life for local people or benefited the community through involvement or volunteering.

There are awards for a community project, community event of the year, community volunteer, friend of the year, achiever of the year, courage, flying the flag for Wyre Forest, outstanding business contribution to the local community and outstanding innovation.

The awards are sponsored by local businesses and organisations.

You can nominate online at vestia. org.uk/communityawards/ or pick up a leaflet from the Customer Service Centre at Kidderminster Town Hall; The Hub in Load Street, Bewdley; the Community Housing offices at Riverside, Stourport; or The Shuttle offices in Blackwell Street, Kidderminster.

The deadline for entries is Friday, September 13 and then an officer panel from the district council and Vestia will review all nominations and select the winners.

The winners will be invited to the awards celebration on Wednesday, October 9 and will be presented with special community accolades.

The Mike Oborski No Barriers Awards 2013 will also be presented at the event, which takes place at the district council’s headquarters at Wyre Forest House in Finepoint Way, Kidderminster.

Marina Banner, executive director, Vestia and Corporate Services, said: “There are so many deserving and high-achieving people in Wyre Forest – from good neighbours to volunteers, local business people and charity workers – the list could be never ending.

“But we currently have no way of recognising their achievements, efforts or simply saying a big thank you.”

She added: “This is the opportunity to do our local heroes proud.”

Conservative councillor Ian Hardiman, the district council’s cabinet member for community wellbeing, said: “I urge people from across the area to think about all the individuals who have really made a difference to their lives and make a nomination.”

To check out the categories and make your nomination online, go to vestia.org.uk/community awards/ For more information and to nominate someone you know for a Mike Oborski No Barriers award, visit wyreforestdc.gov.uk/nobarriers

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE VESTIA NOMINATION FORM

or CLICK ON THE COMMUNITY AWARDS LOGO ON THE FRONT PAGE OF OUR WEBSITE