A CALL has gone out for public servants, individuals, volunteers, charities and community organisations to submit nominations to the High Sheriff Community Awards, to celebrate the work of those making Hampshire a safer place to live.

Hampshire High Sheriff Phillip Sykes said: "These awards are to honour local people and organisations deserving special recognition.

"I have a particular interest in those who work in the field of law and order in the county, but the awards are open to all those who enhance cohesion and go beyond the call of duty in their everyday lives in serving our fellow citizens and making our communities a better place to live and work.

"I very much look forward to recognising the unsung heroes who do so much to improve the lives of Hampshire residents."

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) is also involved in the community awards scheme.

HIWCF chief executive Jaqui Scott said: "We urge people to send in their nominations for those who have gone above and beyond expectation to help improve life in our towns, cities and villages.

"Every year, we are inspired by the wonderful work of those receiving an award, who have included police constables, probation officers, street pastors, rescue dog handlers, fire station crews, stalking services and abuse centres.

"The awards allow us to appreciate the incredible efforts of those who have made a real difference to local people, many of whom are facing tough times."

Nomination forms can be downloaded from the website at www.hiwcf.com/about-us/high-sheriff-awards/ and should be emailed back to [email protected] before 6pm on Friday, January 28.

The awards will be presented by the High Sheriff next spring and for more information and contact details visit the website at https://highsheriffs.com/hampshire/