A man has been nominated for a Comet Community Award for his service to the community.

Colin Marvell, who lives in Baldock, has been nominated for the Service to the Community category after setting up the Inspire4Work programme based in Letchworth GC.

The scheme aims to support unemployed people aged over 50 get back into the world of work, and since launching last year has helped 46 people find employment.

Colin said: “It’s wonderful to be nominated for this award. I am just happy I have been able to help some people get on and do what they want to do with their lives. You don’t do it for the recognition but it is always nice to be appreciated. It is an honour.”

Charles Gale, who nominated the 52-year-old, said: “What is most remarkable about the programme is that many participants have continued their involvement with the programme as ambassadors and group leaders.

“Colin has given his time selflessly to develop this programme. He has given of his time and effort and has done so at a time of great personal challenges. He had a stroke in 2001 from which he is still to be fully rehabilitated.

“It is no exaggeration to say that he has impacted the lives of many unemployed people in a truly positive and meaningful way.”

Colin said: “It’s wonderful to be nominated for this award. I am just happy I have been able to help some people get on and do what they want to do with their lives. You don’t do it for the recognition but it is always nice to be appreciated. It is an honour.”

There are now just eight days left to send in your nominations for this year’s Comet Community Awards.

The annual awards ceremony aims to recognise inspirational people, and for the 2014 event there are 12 categories.

If you know a young achiever or have a great neighbour who you feel deserves some recognition, now is the time to nominate them and highlight their achievements.

For the full list of categories – which also includes Great and Green and Nurse/Care Worker of the Year – and to make your nomination visit www.cometcommunityawards.co.uk

The closing date for entries is 5pm on Friday, April 25, after which a judging panel will determine the finalists for an awards ceremony being held in May.