Since 2004, Kingsbridge Town Council has sponsored the Kingsbridge Citizen of the Year Award which has been very successful in recognising the outstanding achievements of local people.

However, like most things in life there comes a time to take stock, shake things up and take a fresh approach.

Therefore for 2017, Kingsbridge Town Council has devised a new scheme and is launching Kingsbridge Community Champions with six different categories: arts and culture, business, environment, sport, volunteer and young champions.

The idea is to encourage wider community participation, more nominations and lots of awards.

It’s all about recognising and celebrating the fabulous contributions that local people make to ensure that Kingsbridge is a great place to work, rest and play.

Your nomination may be for a shopkeeper, a sporty person, a group, a volunteer, a young person, or anybody you else you think deserves recognition for the work they do in the community.

The town council does not wish to be too prescriptive, and the whole concept is for the Kingsbridge community to elect their own champions - with as few rules and conditions involved as possible.

How do you go about it? It’s really simple, just complete a user-friendly nomination form which can be downloaded from www.kingsbridge.gov.uk, or pick one up from the council offices at Quay House, email [email protected] or call 01548 853296.

Nomination forms will also be available from the library, Kingsbridge Information Centre, Quayside Leisure Centre and a few shops.

It will only take you a few minutes to complete your nomination for your Community Champion – let’s give local people the credit they deserve.

Deadline for applications is Friday, March 31.