Nominations for an awards which recognises the voluntary efforts of North Herts heroes have opened today – and you have less than a month to get your entries in.

North Hertfordshire District Council has launched its Chairman’s Volunteer Achievement Awards, which will see accolades handed out in five different categories to celebrate the achievements of outstanding, praiseworthy individuals who volunteer their time to make a real difference in their community.

The awards – backed by the Comet – will culminate with presentations at the council’s civic reception at The Priory Barn in Little Wymondley on February 2, but members of the public are urged to act fast as the deadline to put forward nominees is Friday, December 1.

The five different categories for nominations are as follows: Caring Award – for someone’s acts of kindness; Dedication Award – for long service in voluntary or community work; Green Award – for helping to keep North Herts clean, safe and green; Sporting Achievement Award – to recognise a major contribution to sporting life, and Young Star Award – for a young person aged 24 or under who has made a difference to their community.

NHDC chairman Alan Millard said: “These awards are our opportunity to say thank you to dedicated, self-motivated volunteers who contribute so much to the local community, but have not had any recognition for their extraordinary contributions.

“We urge people to get nominating before the deadline on December 1 so we can celebrate these amazing North Herts heroes.”

Comet editor Nick Gill added: “Each and every week we publish stories highlighting the fantastic work of volunteers in our community, and we were only to happy to support these awards as a media partner.

“The volunteers in our midst never seem to be driven by recognition, but through our own Comet Community Awards – which launches in the new year ahead of a ceremony in May – I have seen first-hand the joy these evenings bring.

“It’s also a great opportunity to say thank you to someone, so if you’re thinking about putting in a nomination I would say go for it – and don’t delay!”

Volunteers can be nominated online by going to north-herts.gov.uk/home/community/chairmans-volunteer-achievement-awards.

The only stipulation for entries is nominated volunteers must volunteer in and live or work in the North Hertfordshire district.