Calling all the heroes ... The time has come to honour those who make our lives special.

Do you know someone who inspires with their devotion and kindness?

Is there a person whose courage and support has made a huge difference to your life?

If you do, The Cumberland News wants to hear from you.

We’re preparing to host our second Community Heroes Awards.

And we need your help to make sure the most special people get the recognition they rightly deserve.

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

Whether a carer who goes above and beyond to help others, a friend who has been with you during your time of greatest need or a sportsman whose achievements have inspired, every one is special and deserves huge applause.

There has never been a more appropriate time to recognise the efforts that those in north and east Cumbria go to in order to help others.

This year has seen – and continues to see – people going above and beyond to help friends, neighbours and absolute strangers as the county deals with the lingering aftermath of Storm Desmond.

It is those people and so many others who do so much for so many that we want to recognise.

Marie Whitehead, of CN Events, will chair the panel charged with going through the nominations.

She said: “The kindness of Cumbria and its people is recognised the world over, never more so than in the past few months where the true spirit of Cumbria has shone.

“The lengths people have gone to in order to help others in the face of adversity have been tremendous.

“But our county’s spirit is much more than people coming out only in times of emergency.

“Every day, people work tirelessly to inspire, encourage and support. They most likely don’t consider themselves heroes, but they are.

“We want to ensure they get the recognition they deserve.”

Last year’s inaugural Community Heroes Awards were one of the highlights of celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of The Cumberland News.

Our second awards are again being held in association with United Utilites, whose leaders were overwhelmed by the stories they heard last year.

There are 11 categories. Nominations close on September 23. You can enter by filling in the form at www.cumberlandnews.co.uk/heroes .

Awards will be presented during a gala event at Carlisle Racecourse on November 3.

Nominations for our Community Heroes Awards opened earlier this year, but were put on hold as the area’s recovery from Storm Desmond continued. Those received during the previous call for nominations will be automatically included.