It may be litter picking to keep a village tidy, popping in to check on an elderly neighbour or running a riding school for people with disabilities - everyone knows people in the community who go the extra mile to help those around them.

Now, the Mayor of Taunton Deane wants people to nominate their local unsung heroes for a Citizenship Award. Cllr Catherine Herbert said: “I have seen at first hand through visits made across the borough that there is a great deal of unsung and unpaid work going on in our communities.

“There are some remarkable people in Taunton Deane who regularly give up their time to help others.”

It’s easy to make a nomination for a Citizenship Award which will publicly acknowledge outstanding voluntary service in Taunton Deane.

The council expects to make three Citizenship Awards again this year.

To obtain a nomination form, write to Jo Comer, Communications and Engagement Specialist, The Deane House, Belvedere Road, Taunton TA1 1HE or email [email protected] with your name and address details. Forms will also be available for download on the Taunton Deane website, www.tauntondeane.gov.uk

Nominees have to live in the borough of Taunton Deane, cannot have been recognised in the past for their services and must not earn their nomination from service given through their trade or profession.

Nominations will be accepted for individuals and voluntary groups who make a real difference to the people living in our community.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, February 22. The awards ceremony is due to take place in late April.