St Stephen Parish Council is calling for nominations for its annual Community and Youth Community Awards.

The awards are presented in recognition of outstanding contribution to the community and are judged in two categories - the Community Award for people over 18 and the Youth Community Award which recognises people aged 18 or under.

To qualify for nomination the person must have made an exceptional contribution that benefits the community.

Last year's winners were Laurie Hart, for his years of outstanding contribution to the Bricket Wood Residents' Association and the Bricket Wood Society, and Josh Kalms, who was awarded the Youth Community Award for his work with the Ver Valley Society.

This year the closing date for nominations has been extended to Friday, March 13, to ensure that people are given adequate time to get their nominations in.

All finalists will be invited to the Annual Parish Meeting on Thursday, April 30 when the winners will be announced and the awards presented.

Councillor Mick Freeman, parish council chairman, said: "There are so many 'unsung heroes' out there - we all know someone who works selflessly for the benefit of the community, often without any pay or recognition. These awards give everyone the opportunity to make sure that those people do get the recognition they deserve."

Nomination forms are available on the parish council website, www.ststephenparishcouncil.gov.uk, or from the parish council office.