DO you know someone who deserves to be recognised for what they do in your community?

Surrey Police is joining up with partners to sponsor the Surrey Inspiration Awards looking for outstanding volunteers in the county who make a real difference.

The awards include the Chief Constable's Local Hero Award recognising good deeds from the kind-hearted to the brave in keeping our communities safe. Other categories include recognition for the work done by young people, environmental initiatives and lifetime achievement.

Any person or group who volunteers their time in the community for the benefit of other people can be nominated in the relevant category so if you know someone who fits the bill, give them the recognition they deserve by putting them forward for one of the following:

▪ The Chief Constable's Local Hero Award

▪ Youth Award

▪ Community Safety Award

▪ Working Together Award

▪ Courage Award

▪ Lifetime Achievement Award

▪ Going Green Award

▪ Inspiration Award

The Surrey Inspirational Awards are being run by Surrey Strategic Partnership supported by Surrey Community Action and will be presented at a ceremony in March next year at the University of Surrey.

Along with Surrey Police, co-sponsors are Surrey County Council, the High Sheriff of Surrey, Surrey Crimestoppers, University of Surrey and BBC Surrey.

Previous winners of a Local Hero Award include a man who saved a woman from an armed offender in an alleyway, volunteer groups who help patrol busy town centres at night, and three schoolchildren who rescued their friend after she fell into a concealed well.

Chief Superintendant Gavin Stephens, head of Neighbourhood Policing, said: "When so much of the news we hear is bad, it is always worthwhile highlighting the fantastic things that go on in our communities every day.

"There are people across the county helping others perhaps by an act of bravery or by giving up their time and energy to improve their local area and they deserve to be recognised for the wonderful work they do.

"Surrey Police launched its own Local Heroes Awards three years ago and we are delighted that this year we can join up with partner agencies to celebrate all aspects of volunteer work in our neighbourhoods."

- Nominations for the 2010 awards must be for activities which have taken place between 1st January 2010 and 1st December 2010 (excluding the Lifetime Achievement Award!)

- For an application form, please call Anne Barry on 01483 447 116 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

- Nominations must be received no later than 14th January 2011.