UNSUNG community champions, pioneering entrepreneurs and groundbreaking initiatives that have made a real difference to Richmondshire - all these and more will be celebrated with a new annual award across the Yorkshire Dales district.

Richmondshire District Council is launching its first ever Citizenship Awards, to recognise the dedicated people who make the District a better place in which to live and work.

I come across so many people who do remarkable things

Melva Steckles - Richmondshire District Council

The Council wants to highlight - and celebrate - the exceptional contribution to life in the District made by countless residents, young and old.

Awards will be presented in four categories:

• Young Person of the Year - for anyone up to the age of 25 who has positively contributed to their community
• Volunteer of the Year - for anyone who volunteers their time for other people, causes or organisations in any way, shape or form
• Community Initiative of the Year - for groups of people who have come together to solve a problem or respond to an opportunity which has benefited their community
• Entrepreneur of the Year - for individuals who have, through their business endeavours, made a significant contribution to the local economy

Melva Steckles, leader of Richmondshire District Council, said: "In the work that I do in the community I come across so many people who do remarkable things - often without giving it a second thought.

"That is a key part of life in Richmondshire, and our Citizenship Awards will recognise their contribution. The role of the Council is to provide services and support for the people who live and work in the District - and these new awards will give them the recognition they so richly deserve.

"I urge people to get involved and send in their nominations."

Nomination forms will shortly be available on our website, www.richmondshire.gov.uk, and in council offices. Any individual, group or organisation (public, private or voluntary sector) can make a nomination. All nominations must be received by November 30 - and will be considered by a small panel of councillors.

The overall winners will be announced at this year's State of the District debate, on Wednesday, December 19.