MEMBERS of the public are being urged to nominate people who make a difference within their local community for a Cleveland Community Safety Award.

Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger aims to recognise the resident's contributions to community safety that are made day in, day out by those working within the public, private and voluntary sector.

He said: “These awards are an opportunity to recognise the unsung heroes within our midst, whether that is the local police officer attending community events on their days off, or the volunteer who works tirelessly to bring the community together through community safety activities.

“Young and old make a contribution to our local areas, and I’m particularly proud to support the Young Community Volunteer category which highlights the activity that young people do to contribute to their local area.”

Nominations are now open and the categories include: neighbourhood police officer of the year; neighbourhood police community support officer of the year; neighbourhood watch co-ordinator of the year; housing provider contribution to tackling anti-social behaviour; and young community volunteer.

Chief Constable of Cleveland Police Jacqui Cheer said: “It is really important to say thank you to those people who dedicate their time and effort to assisting in keeping our communities safe from harm.

“It is always heart-warming to hear of the good work that is going on in our local communities and I look forward to seeing the nominations come in.”

The Awards are being hosted by Redcar and Cleveland College on Wednesday, November 25.

People can nominate online atcleveland.pcc.police.uk; via email pcc@cleveland.pnn.police.uk; by post: Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Police Headquarters, Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough, TS8 9EH.

Nominations close on Wednesday, September 30.