Walkers enjoy the winter sunshine along Gorleston seafront.

Gorleston residents are being called upon to nominate their community champions for an award that recognises their selfless work to support the town.

Community group MESH has organised the awards that aim to celebrate the work of Gorleston’s legion of volunteers.

And organisers are now urging residents to put forward the names of those they think should be publicly applauded for giving up their time for the benefit of the town.

Julie Woods, MESH manager, said the awards were open to any unsung heroes who are not paid for the work they do for their community.

“We deal with an awful lot of people that give up their time. People are incredibly stretched and they still find time to give and I think it’s just recognising that,” she added.

“I’d really like there to be a lot of nominations.”

People can be nominated in five categories; volunteer of Gorleston, environment improvement volunteer - which recognises green fingered helpers - Gorleston community group award, carer and young carer award.

Winners from each category, announced at a ceremony at the end of March, will be presented with a £100 Gorleston Trader Association gift voucher.

Mrs Woods said: “The money then gets spent in Gorleston as well so more of the town benefits.”

Organisers were aware of similar awards across Norfolk but were keen to focus exclusively on volunteers within Gorleston for their ceremony, so each of them had a chance at gaining some much deserved recognition.

“There’s a lot of people out there doing good and Gorleston has got a lot to offer, people included. It’s not just the beach and the high street,” Mrs Woods added.

Nomination forms for the Gorleston Community Awards are available from the MESH office at Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre in Magdalen Way.