As the year ends it is traditional to look back on the big stories and the famous names who have been active throughout the previous 12 months. However, it is also a time which, through the New Years Honours List, allows us to celebrate those who might not be household names but who nevertheless make life better for those around them.

Local people from all walks of life have been honoured for their contributions to their particular field of expertise or for their work with the local community or a specific group of people.

Scattered among all the famous names and celebrities to have been given gongs in the honours, these are people whose grassroots work at a very local level makes them the true heroes of day-to-day life.

It is the same sort of ethos the Telegraph & Argus employs with the Community Stars Awards which were handed out earlier this month at Bradford’s City Hall. As with the New Year Honours, we looked to shine a light on those unsung heroes who seek neither reward nor recognition but who are committed to other people and improving their lot.

While it might not be practical or possible for the majority of us to devote our whole lives to the betterment of others, we can at least appropriate the spirit of these community heroes.

It does not take a huge amount of effort to think of other people, to be a little more caring and tolerant, and to consider how we can change things for the better, no matter in how small a way. That’s one New Year Resolution which we can all get behind and which could have wide-ranging positive effects.