Heroes come in all shapes and sizes – and we think they should all be saluted.

From good neighbours to sportspeople and coaches, there are countless people who inspire and encourage.

Most of them do it without a second thought – often without the slightest inclination of how special they really are.

More often than not, they never seek recognition.

That recognition, however, is exactly what they deserve.

So we need YOU to tell us who your heroes are.

With the support of United Utilities, The Cumberland News Community Heroes Awards 2017 will honour and thank those who do so much to make a difference.

Cumbria’s community spirit is renowned the world over.

Our towns, villages and estates are full of people who go the extra mile to help others; there are clubs and organisations which survive on the tireless dedication of volunteers; there are school workers who inspire us to achieve and go out of the way to ensure we can fulfil our goals.

Across 11 categories, our Community Heroes Awards will ensure praise for champions in all of their forms.

Previous events have seen judges and audiences humbled by the actions of those nominated.

John Hilton, United Utilities’ programme director in Cumbria, said: “Most of these people don’t realise the impact of what they do. They just do what comes naturally to them, but they need to know what a difference they make.

“The things people do to support friends, neighbours and strangers can be staggering.

“Every day people do good things to help each other, never asking for thanks or recognition. They should be rewarded for all they do.”

The categories are:

  • Carer of the year
  • Good Neighbour
  • Good Friend
  • #proudcumbria (a judges’ special award)
  • Sporting Hero
  • Best Community Project
  • Unsung Hero
  • Volunteer of the Year
  • School Worker of the Year
  • Person of the Year

Last year’s winners included Richard Francis, named Person of the Year for organising The Big Cumbrian Christmas Get-Together to ensure flood victims did not miss out on sampling some festive cheer in the wake of Storm Desmond.

Volunteer of the year was Sue Kaveney, a human resources consultant from Carlisle, who – as well as helping flood victims – has been a volunteer with the Poppy Appeal for about six years and has trained to become a voluntary case worker in the Carlisle area, helping armed forces veterans through the process of getting the support they need.

And the Judges’ Special Award went to Jess Sinclair, 83, who had been supporting charities in and around Carlisle for more than 25 years, including cooking meals for an elderly persons’ lunch club.

Chris Story, associate editor of The Cumberland News, was one of last year’s judges.

He said: “Even the smallest of things can make a huge difference when someone is in need of support and it’s touching to read and hear about how often actions done without any desire for thanks can mean so much.

“Because those who commit themselves so much to others are the least likely to seek recognition we need our readers to come forward with nominations. We need you to tell us who’s special to you – or your community – and why.

“Please don’t be shy. Our awards presentation is always a very special evening and a lovely way to say thank you.”

The awards will be presented at Carlisle Racecourse on Thursday, June 29.

To enter online go to the form at www.cumberlandnews.co.uk/heroes . Nominations close on Friday, April 28.