Do you know someone in Northampton who deserves a Heart of the Community Award?

People are being asked to put forward the friends, neighbours and family members that they consider to be the unsung heroes of Northampton.

The Heart of the Community Awards highlight the hard work and achievements of the people living in Northampton who make a difference in their local community.

Last year, Heather Murtagh, Dennis Nash, Ranjeet Singh Grewal and Julie Parsons were all recognised for the significant contribution they make.

A police officer for almost 30 years, Julie Parsons will be better known to many as founder of ‘The Good Loaf’ a social enterprise and bakery that offers support to ex-offenders. Ranjeet Singh Grewal has spent five decades supporting the Sikh community in Northampton, Dennis Nash volunteered 44 years as a parish councillor in Bellinge, and Heather Murtagh is a constant presence at community events in Exeter Place.

Mayor of Northampton, Councillor Christopher Malpas, said: “The Heart of the Community Awards is an opportunity for us all to say thank you and well done to those incredible people who choose to spend their free time doing something for their local community.

“It’s very easy to make a nomination and there are so many hardworking groups and individuals that I do hope that people will take the time to tell us about someone they know who is working hard to make a difference.”

Nominations will be accepted until Friday, March 17 and can be submitted online at www.northampton.gov.uk/heartofthecommunity

More information is also available from the Mayor’s office by calling 01604 837804 or emailing [email protected]

All nominations will be considered by a panel of independent judges and the winners will be invited to a celebration event at the Guildhall in April.