Do you know a community champion or an unsung hero?

That was the rallying call as the South Norfolk Community Awards were launched.

Held for the fifth year running by South Norfolk Council, the awards celebrate the valuable contribution volunteers make to their community.

The event was launched at Dunston Hall last night, where the ceremony will take place in February next year, and was attended by some of last year's winners, council chairman Garry Wheatley and councillor Clayton Hudson.

Mr Hudson said: 'We are once again on the hunt to find our community champions – the unsung heroes who give up their time to make other people's lives better.

'There are so many deserving and inspirational people out there who are running community groups and sports clubs, fundraising or just helping out in their community.

'If you know of someone who deserves to be recognised for their hard work, then please nominate them and show them how much they are valued.'

There are eight categories, including volunteer of the year, community group of the year and lifetime community hero of the year.

The Eastern Daily Press and its sister Mercury titles are media partners of the awards.

Anthony Carroll, EDP community editor for south Norfolk, said: 'We are delighted to be supporting the community awards. As a journalist serving south Norfolk I am aware of its many unsung heroes who deserve to be celebrated.'

Winners will receive grants of £250 to give to their chosen charitable organisation.

Nominations open on Monday and will close on January 8.

All those shortlisted will be invited to Dunston Hall on February 9 for the ceremony.

To nominate visit http://www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/champions or call 01508 533945.