Nominations have now opened for the Basildon Volunteer Awards which recognise those who go above and beyond to improve their communities.

The awards recognise the tireless efforts of countless volunteers across the borough who give up their free time to help a worthy cause.

Categories include the Sunshine Award for 11 to 21year-olds, the Community Star, Inspirational Role Model and the Long Service Award.

This year’s event will be held at the Towngate Theatre, St Martin’s Square, Basildon, on Tuesday, October 10.

Nominations close on Monday, September 11.

Councillor Kerry Smith, Basildon Council’s committee chairman for housing and communities, said: “These awards are to recognise those who give up their free time to help support and improve their local community.

“It’s wonderful that we can celebrate the hard work and dedication of volunteers and I would urge borough residents to nominate those they feel deserve recognition.”

To nominate someone and find out more about the categories visit basildon.gov.uk/volunteerawards

The categories for the awards are:

SUNSHINE AWARD (11-21yrs)

These awards recognise the effort and selfless act of continually helping others. This could be anywhere within Basildon, Billericay or Wickford e.g. in a Community Group, Organisation, School or Neighbourhood.

COMMUNITY STAR

To all those volunteers who shine like a star and who deserve recognition. Must be over 18yrs.

INSPIRATIONAL ROLE MODEL

This category is for volunteers who really do inspire others with their volunteering story. Nominees should go above and beyond in caring and encouraging others.

VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISER

For someone who has raised funds for a community group/project and who has made an invaluable contribution.

VOLUNTEER PROJECT

For one off projects that have made an impact in their community.

LONG SERVICE AWARD

This award recognises the length of service shown by dedicated volunteers. To enter, the volunteer must have been volunteering for at least 10 years.

VOLUNTARY GROUP OF THE YEAR AWARD

This category is for any voluntary group who have collectively made a difference to their community.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD - THE TONY GUYON MEMORIAL CUP

Tony Guyon was a member of the council’s previous Community Engagement Team, who sadly passed away doing the job he loved. He dedicated a lot of his life to helping make Basildon a better borough. The winners of each of the categories listed above are put forward to win this prestigious award.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

This new category recognises the tireless efforts of those who have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the community. The winner of this award will not be eligible for The Volunteer of the Year Award.