NEW ‘Heart of Buckfastleigh’ Community Awards are now open to nominations to celebrate the hard work and contribution of residents to their community.

The Buckfastleigh Town Council awards have been announced this week and posters are going up around the town.

Residents are being asked to nominate people in four different categories – ‘long service’, for those who’ve worked for the community for many years; ‘young volunteer’, for those up to age 21 who make a difference; ‘healthy lives hero’, working for a healthier community; and a ‘community champion’ who goes that extra mile to help others.

Mayor Cllr Pam Barrett said: ‘For such a small town we have an amazing number of voluntary and community groups, as well as individuals who regularly go out of their way to help others.

‘We feel it’s really important to acknowledge and celebrate these people. We encourage everyone in the town to think about who they would like to nominate and why.’

A panel of judges including representatives from the town council, the police, Buckfast Abbey, the town’s primary school, and St Luke’s Church will decide who gets three of the awards.

The fourth, the ‘community champion’ award, will be decided by public vote at the end of May, with voting boxes placed at locations all around the town.

To nominate, people can send an email to office@ buckfastleigh.gov.uk, complete a form at www.buck fastleigh.gov.uk or drop off a letter at the town hall. Nominations need to be received by May 15.

The awards will be presented on June 16, as part of the Heart of Buckfastleigh event at Buckfastleigh Town Hall.

Residents will be invited in for a day of celebration, featuring many of the town’s voluntary groups offering activities and information about what they do.

There will be craft workshops, delicious food and drink, including free slices of locally-made pizza, and a quiz with answers to be found amongst the stalls.

The day will end with the awards ceremony and a special guest.

For more information contact Inga Page at [email protected]. uk or 01364 642576.