TIME is running out to nominate your unsung heroes for our Pride of Comet Country awards. We have had a fantastic response to our awards which aim to highlight the good things happening in our area. Here are some more examples of Pride of Comet Country

TIME is running out to nominate your unsung heroes for our Pride of Comet Country awards.

We have had a fantastic response to our awards which aim to highlight the good things happening in our area.

Here are some more examples of Pride of Comet Country nominees and the good they are doing in our area.

Charles Hawkins and Catherine Shadbolt have been nominated as Valiant Volunteers for their work to protect Fairview Road in Stevenage.

Fellow resident Aliki Fikiori, who nominated the pair, said: "Charles and Catherine certainly made a big difference to our area of Fairview Road neighbourhood.

"They worked voluntarily 24/7 since September 2005 to raise awareness of conservation, building and environmental issues in the Old Town and in Stevenage overall.

"They researched and found all the documentary evidence of Gunnel's history. With a dedicated group of volunteers they initiated and still lead the fight to save Gunnels (house) from demolition.

"I have never met people that, without any previous knowledge or specific professional skills in dealing with public authorities, have managed to achieve so much under severe time pressure and adverse conditions. Comet country is lucky to have such committed residents."

They have also adopted a charity to raise funds for. They chose TRACKS, based in Chells, Stevenage, it supports families with preschool autistic children.

The Rotary Club of Hitchin Priory has been nominated as Charity Champions. Since 1984 the club has raised more than £250,000 for local and international causes. Since the club's formation the members had sought to initiate a major event that would contribute to the life of Hitchin and raise a substantial sum for local charities on an annual basis. In 1999 the idea was conceived to establish a pancake race every Shrove Tuesday in the market square.

A Priory spokesman told The Comet that Hitchin Priory is one of four local Rotary clubs with local businessmen and women working together to help those less fortunate.

He said: "The pancake festival took an old idea and gave it a new image, provided a Saturday of Fun and Food to entertain the children and serve up pancakes, mulled wine and other treats, raising more than £14,000 this year."

PLANTED, a group set up by Ellen Ward, Sophie Stokes, Hazel Impey and Tasmin Hunt, has been nominated for our Great and Green category. Comet reporter Hannah Gray, who nominated the girls, said: "The girls are dedicated eco-warriors and have set up a group called PLANTED - Please Lets Act Now To End Destruction.

"They arrange events and sell merchandise to raise money, which they use to sponsor rainforests in South America and help other environmental charities.

"Despite being in full time education they still manage to find time to organise all kinds of activities.

"They have also carried out collections of items currently not covered by door to door recycling schemes. Ellen, Sophie, Hazel and Tasmin are an inspiration to their peers and adults alike."

THERE is still time to get your nominations in. There are seven categories in which you can nominate the unsung heroes of Comet country who do so much without asking for anything in return. The categories are carer of the year, parent in a million, young achiever, valiant volunteer, great and green and charity champions.

For an application pack call The Comet on 01438 866200 or email nicola.bastendorff@thecomet.net