3:59pm Thursday 11th January 2007
By Robin Thompkins
KIND hearts and carer networks will get their just rewards when the third annual Christchurch Good Citizens awards are presented in the spring.
Organised by Christchurch council the awards scheme aims to recognise individuals and local groups which have given outstanding service to their community.
Nominations are now being invited from the public for the seven award categories including youth, education, disability, health and voluntary work.
The Mayor's Young Citizen Award will be made to an exceptional young person under 25 who has made an outstanding contribution to the local or wider community or who has battled against all odds to achieve their goals.
Bay Tree health food store in Saxon Square is sponsoring the Healthy Community Award for an organisation or an individual who has provided outstanding service to improve the health and wellbeing of the community in Christchurch.
The Avonmouth Hotel which is hosting the awards gala dinner in March is supporting the Organisation of the Year Award for the group that has shown an outstanding commitment to the community or has made a real difference to the lives of people in Christchurch.
Twynham Housing Association's Pride of Place Award recognises people or groups who have made a local area or street more attractive, vibrant or safe for the community.
Christchurch council's Volunteer of the Year Award will go to someone who has made an exceptional contribution to a local project, group or charity.
Christchurch Community Partnership is sponsoring the Education and Learning Award and its accessibility sub-committee is putting up a Welcome To All Award for the shop, restaurant or other public place that goes out of its way to open its doors to people with disabilities.
Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr David Fox, said: "There are so many people or organisations in Christchurch who go out of their way to make life better for others and who deserve to be recognised."
"I would urge everyone to think about all those people who contribute to the community in some way and come forward and nominate them for an award."
Nominations must be received by February 28 and the top three in each category will be invited to the Awards dinner at the Avonmouth Hotel on March 30.
Forms are available from the Civic Offices, Christchurch Information Centre, Christchurch and Highcliffe libraries and other community facilities in the borough, and online from the link below.
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