If you know somebody ordinary who makes extraordinary things for a community in Gloucestershire, why not nominate them for the Heart of Gloucestershire Award 2015?
The campaign is run jointly by the Gloucestershire Echo and the Gloucester Citizen.
We're looking for local heroes, people who go above and beyond the call of duty and act for their county.
Winners in previous years from ranged from people who are not recognised enough to those who distinguish themselves by their selflessness, bravery and generosity.
Gloucestershire Echo editor, Matt Holmes, said: "This is a marvellous event that celebrates the very best people in the county.
"Nominate your friends, neighbours, teachers or relatives to say thank you for their efforts in going above and beyond.
"We would love to have as many nominations as possible, so why not get involved?"
The award is now in its ninth year and continues to go from strength to strength, giving these people the credit they deserve.
You have until March 6 to nominate this special person and give them a chance to see their good deed rewarded.
'Endless enthusiasm' of last year's winner
The winner of the 2014 Environmental Hero award was David Stevenson.
The ranger at Cleeve Common was nominated by Peter Lightfoot, chairman of the Cleeve Common Border Conservators, because of his endless enthusiasm for the area.
David stood out because of the huge amount of work he has done on the common, improving the habitat and managing the livestock.
He has also managed water clearance and checked people aren't harming the environment by their activities.
"It's a lovely place to work and I enjoy working with the people, the land and the livestock. It's a smashing environment," he said.
"As a senior ranger we look after all aspects of the entire common from the wildlife and archaeological sites to the cattle, public access and rare plants."
By his hard-work and devotion for his community, David deserved to be called an environmental hero.
"I wasn't expecting to receive this award last year, I was really surprised," he said.
"But obviously, it made me incredibly happy and proud."
He hasn't rested on his laurels this year, protecting Cleeve Common, which is a beautiful area as well as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest.
"I carried on doing the same things, it is important for me."
Ten categories to enter
Community Project
Category Criteria
As the saying goes, two heads are better than one and this award is all about recognising the efforts of a group or project which has made a difference in a community. We want to honour a scheme which has helped make where we live a better place. This could be anything from an after school club or dance troupe set up to help children in the area or a campaign to get a new play area or clear up an eyesore in the neighbourhood.
Braveheart Hero
Category Criteria:
This special award will be given to an individual of any age who has responded to an immediate need and significantly affected the life or lives of others.
For example, someone who has rescued a person from a dangerous situation; or shown immense courage to help another in difficulty. Do you know someone who showed tremendous heroism in an emergency? Or maybe you know someone who is incredibly brave in the face of adversity; that does not complain but uses their situation to the betterment of life for others?
Environmental Hero
Category Criteria:
Championing green issues is not just about saving the planet. We want to hear about those environmental heroes who endeavour to make the world around them a better place. This could be a recycling guru, someone who has cleared up a grot spot or who saved an open space from development. This award is about recognising the achievements of those people who go the extra mile to improve their surroundings or highlight green issues.
Caring Hero
Category Criteria:
There are so many carers in our society, looking after sick or disabled relatives, neighbours or friends. There are people who do caring things for others, shopping for the elderly, giving their time to help those less fortunate, or putting themselves out for their community. We would like to honour these people who put themselves out to help others because they have a caring heart. They don't need to be a full-time carer to be nominated.
Public Sector Hero
Category Criteria:
Some people go beyond the call of duty when it comes to their jobs and we want to recognise that. Do you know a firefighter, police officer, serviceman or woman, nurse, care worker, paramedic or rescue team member who goes above and beyond the call of duty? Do you know someone who works in the NHS and makes a real difference to patient care? Or perhaps you are aware of a youth worker, street cleaner, social worker, librarian, magistrate or councillor who deserves recognition? This award aims to champion outstanding efforts by those in both the public or private sectors to improve the lives of people locally.
Charity Champion
Category Criteria:
Do you know a remarkable and inspirational individual that has strongly and consistently contributed to the charity sector? There are many people in our communities struggling for the basic necessities of life. Our Charity Champion will work tirelessly to enable the provision of support and services for a charitable cause. This award recognises people who have made an exceptional effort to advance the profile and raise funds for a particular concern.
Education Hero
Category Criteria:
Do you know someone who has made a real difference in the field of education? This award will be given to an individual who has changed lives through inspiring others to learn. It could be a teacher, classroom assistant, or perhaps an instructor or Scout/Guide leader.
Outstanding Contribution to the Arts and Culture
Category Criteria:
In Gloucestershire, we have an abundance of theatrical and dance groups which are nurturing talented youngsters every single week. But these groups would not run without the dedicated adults who teach the classes. Do these people deserve recognition? Perhaps you know someone who is excelling in the performance of music, dance or theatre? Or is there an author, artist or singer in your community whose talent and achievements should be formally acknowledged?
Child of Courage Award
Category Criteria:
Some children have to go through much more than they should at their tender age. But more often than not they show a remarkable courage which allows them to keep smiling through the ordeal. Do you know a young person or child who has battled from illness, bereavement, disability or bullying? We want to show them how proud we are of how they have handled what life has thrown at them.
Lifetime Achievement Awards
Category Criteria:
Do you know a person who has done something extraordinary? It could be a person who has achieved something special in any field they choose, be it academic, musical, sporting or something else completely. Or they might have carried out an act of great bravery or generosity.
