Special awards will be presented to honour the heroes of Scotland's high streets to reward their dedicated and determination to help others during the coronavirus pandemic.

Nominations are being sought from across Dumfries and Galloway for the High Street Heroes Awards to recognise those who have gone above and beyond to support communities.

You can nomination local people, businesses or an organisations that made a difference.

The awards are being organised as part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign, which encourages shoppers across the country to think local first and back businesses before travelling further afield.

Nominations for the High Street Heroes Awards can be made at https://lovelocal.scot/high-street-heroes/ and the closing date is September 11.

Phil Prentice, Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, said:“For all that civic-minded citizens, business owners and local organisations in our town centres have done for us, now it’s time for us to do something for them.

“Across Dumfries and Galloway, these are people who are at the heart of our communities.

They go to remarkable lengths to support those around them - never more so than in recent months.

“Despite the challenges that they have faced, an amazing number have been at the heart of community responses, easing issues faced by their customers and neighbours, whether that be through making deliveries or even the simple act of regular phone calls to make sure

that vulnerable people are well. Many have also contributed to ensuring our town centres are clean, safe and welcoming places to visit as lockdown restrictions have eased. We want to shine a spotlight on all that they have done.”