Ashfield residents are being invited to help celebrate the special achievements of local people in the Discover Ashfield Awards.

The awards are the perfect opportunity to recognise and celebrate the significant milestones people have achieved over the past year. Nominations could include a volunteer or local hero within the community, shining young stars in sport and education, and dedicated carers.

There are also categories for highlighting a special venue or outdoor space and supporting thriving local businesses.

Nominations should recognise achievements between January 2021 and June 2022 and can be made until 31st July. The awards ceremony will take place at the new Kirkby Leisure Centre on Friday, 16th September.

Council leader Coun Jason Zadrozny said: “The annual Discover Ashfield Awards is the perfect chance to highlight the fantastic work people and businesses do all year round in the District. It’s great to recognise the unsung heroes and celebrate the huge contribution they make to ensure Ashfield is a great place to live, work and visit.”

Coun Matthew Relf, Executive Lead Member for Regeneration and Corporate Transformation and member of the Discover Ashfield Board, added: “The awards are a small token of appreciation for the hard work they do with a night dedicated to celebrating their achievements. We want to celebrate the people that make this a District we are proud to represent. The only regret is we can’t give all the nominees first place.”

This year there will be 12 categories for the awards, and nominations can be made via the Discover Ashfield website www.ashfield.gov.uk/discoverashfieldawards

This year’s categories are:

•Health & Wellbeing Project Award
•Carer Award
•Ashfield’s Hero Award
•Ashfield’s Young Hero Award
•Ashfield Community Organisation Award
•Business Improvement Award
•High Street Business of the Year Award
•Shining Star Award
•Sport, Art & Academic
•STEM Inspiration Award
•Ashfield Ambassador Award
•Venue of the Year
•Park of the Year