The moment has arrived when we can officially launch the Comet Community Awards 2017, celebrating the unsung heroes and heroines of our area.

The Comet: The Comet Community Awards 2017.The Comet Community Awards 2017. (Image: Archant)

Our annual awards takes place in May, with a special ceremony to share the many heart-warming stories that form the backbone of the paper.

There are 12 categories to choose from, so whether you think one of the many Charity Champions should be recognised, know a Young Achiever who has had an incredible 12 months or a Role Model of the Year, then we want to hear from you.

The lead sponsor for this year will once again be the team at Stevenage-based Roaring Meg Retail and Leisure, who we have already been working with as part of Roaring Meg Community Support Award.

About their involvement, Roaring Meg’s Sarah Rawlings said: “Previously we have sponsored the Valiant Volunteer category of the awards and last year we were honoured with the opportunity to be the main sponsor, so we are really pleased to be able to team up with the Comet for another year.

The Comet: The Comet Community Awards 2017 is in association with Roaring Meg Retail & Leisure.The Comet Community Awards 2017 is in association with Roaring Meg Retail & Leisure. (Image: Archant)

“In 2015 and early 2016, we played host to our own award – the Roaring Meg Community Heroes – which saw the people of Stevenage being rewarded for going the extra mile within the community.

“In July 2016, the retail and leisure park team launched a brand new initiative, named the Roaring Meg Community Support Award, where four lucky groups, charities or organisations will be chosen to benefit from a £2,000 reward.

“So far we have received some brilliant nominations through the Comet and it has been fascinating to read about the outstanding community work going on in and around Stevenage, which has included the first two winners, bereavement support charity Stand-By-Me and TRACKS Autism.

“Here at Roaring Meg, we can’t wait to choose our final two groups to receive the £2,000 donation and we look forward to learning all about the nominees entered into the 12 categories of the 2017 Comet Community Awards.”

The Comet: The Comet Community Awards 2017 sponsor Autoglym.The Comet Community Awards 2017 sponsor Autoglym. (Image: Archant)

New editor Nick Gill added: “Anyone that has attended one of our award ceremonies knows what a special night it is, so I would urge readers to put forward that special somebody.

“If you don’t enter them they can’t win, so make sure you put it near the top of your to-do list for 2017 and give our judges a headache!”

If you know someone whose work deserves to be recognised, visit www.cometcommunityawards.co.uk and tell us all about it

The Comet: The Comet Community Awards 2017 sponsor Specsavers Stevenage.The Comet Community Awards 2017 sponsor Specsavers Stevenage. (Image: Archant)