THE first nominations have been received in the 2017 Community Stars Awards.

The honours are organised by the Telegraph & Argus and Bradford Council to recognise those who make a difference in their local communities.

Unsung heroes can be nominated in the seventh annual awards across eight different categories.

A panel of judges will then sift through the nominations to create a shortlist of nominees, then Bradfordians will be asked to vote for those they feel are the most deserving.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony to be held at the Midland Hotel, on Wednesday, December 6, where each category winner will be honoured with the Bradford Medal.

The Community Stars Awards are part of the People Can Make a Difference campaign which aims to recognise the voluntary work already being carried out in the district.

It encourages people to make a difference in a number of ways, such as being neighbourly, through community action or volunteering, as well as raising money for local projects.

The awards are also sponsored by Better Start Bradford which runs schemes in the Bowling, Barkerend, Bradford Moor and Little Horton areas of the city, aiming to give babies and children in those areas a better start in life.

This time the awards are also looking to recognise Bradford’s unsung businesses, large and small, who go above and beyond to make a real difference to the people of the district.

Councillor Abdul Jabar, Bradford Council’s executive member for neighbourhoods and community safety, said: “We are delighted to be working once again with the Telegraph & Argus in recognising the good work carried out right across the district by volunteers.

“We have such a strong community here in Bradford with people always ready to step forward and help others.”

Nominations are being sought in the following categories: Community Group, Fundraiser, Young Active Citizens, Good Neighbour, Volunteer, Community Champion, Business Can Make a Difference Award, and the sponsored award Better Start Bradford Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering.

Nominations should be submitted before September 25 by using the printed form or the online version.