Nominations are now open for this year’s Mayor’s Pride Awards which celebrate people and groups who make a positive contribution to St Albans.

The awards aim to honour the virtues of unsung heroes and volunteers who never seek praise for themselves.

They also provide recognition for the achievements and hard work of local groups and organisations across the district.

The Mayor of St Albans, Councillor Annie Brewster, said: "In St Albans City and District we have so much to be proud of and one of our best assets is our remarkable people.

"Please help me identify our community heroes, those in our society who go the extra mile, beyond the call of duty, out of the public gaze.

"Tell us about a person or a group who you think deserves to receive a Mayor’s Pride Award and public recognition for all their hard work.

"They may have made a significant contribution to the community or their achievements may be truly inspirational."

Nominations can be made in the following categories:

• Community Champion of the Year.

• Cultural Innovation Award • Young Person of Distinction. • Community Project of the Year. • Community Oriented Business of the Year.

• Environmental Champion of the Year.

• Voluntary Sector Award.

• Inclusive Communities Award.

In its third year, the awards are fully established as the flagship community recognition scheme in the city and are delivered by the district council.

The deadline for nominations is 5pm on Monday, August 12.

A panel of judges, including the Mayor and representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors will meet to discuss the nominations.

The award winners will be announced at a free gala evening at the Alban Arena, on Thursday, October 24, which will feature an array of community heroes and their stories plus special guest speakers and live entertainment.

Guests will also be treated to a speech from London 2012 Paralympics closing ceremony performer, Rory Mackenzie, a former army medic who lost a leg in Iraq.

They will also see a performance from the St Albans-based Trestle Theatre Company. The free evening will include a collection for the Mayor’s main charity, The Living Room which runs an addiction centre in St Albans.

To make a nomination visit www.stalbans.gov.uk/mayorsprideawards.

The nomination form is also available from the Council’s offices, the Alban Arena, Harpenden Public Halls and some leisure centres, doctors, dentists and schools across the district.

Residents cannot nominate themselves for an award, however they are welcome to nominate the organisation for which you work or volunteer.