RESIDENTS are being encouraged to put forward people or organisations which go the extra mile to help others for a Hillingdon Community Award. 

Nominations opened today (28) for the scheme, run by Hillingdon Council, which celebrates the unsung heroes who support our communities. It is now in its fourth year. 

If you know someone who has demonstrated exceptional bravery or always tries to help others, it’s simple to nominate them. 

It doesn’t have to be an individual, as the awards also recognise the efforts of community groups too, such as the Friends of Northwood Recreation Ground.

They received a bronze award last year for their conservation and maintenance work.  

Ben Rawson-Jones, of the Friends, said: “It was a huge honour to be given an award from the council for our ongoing efforts to improve our green space.  

“Such an award not only makes us feel valued as a volunteer group but will hopefully inspire others to step up and try to make a positive difference, too.” 

The awards categories are: Bravery, Helping the Community, Helping Vulnerable People and Promoting Health and Wellbeing. 

Winners will be announced in March and presented their awards at the Civic Centre in Uxbridge on Wednesday April 16.

Council leader Ian Edwards said: “Each year, we hear stories of people who give up their time to better the lives of others, without the expectation of reward or validation.  

“These unsung heroes make Hillingdon a better place to live, enabling individuals and communities to thrive and prosper to the benefit of all of us. For that, they are real stars.” 

Deadline for nominations is midnight on Monday, February 17. 

Visit  www.hillingdon.gov.uk/community-awards-nomination. Alternatively, you can collect a nomination form from any Hillingdon library or the Civic Centre.