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BBC Make a Difference Awards nominations open

Cash MurphySouth East
News imageEmily Coady-Stemp/BBC A group of people stand in a line on a stage, and are looking at the camera and smiling. They are holding purple awards in their hands and the background is a black backdrop with white lights shining on it.Emily Coady-Stemp/BBC
The awards celebrate people who strive to improve the lives of people where they live

The Make a Difference awards, which honour those who contribute significantly to communities, has opened for nominations.

The BBC Radio Surrey and BBC Radio Sussex awards celebrate people who strive to improve the lives of people where they live.

There are eight categories which aim to recognise contributions made across various aspects of community life.

The finalists will be invited to a special ceremony where the winners will be revealed.

News imageEmily Coady-Stemp/BBC James Cannon, Terri Collins, High Sheriff Peter Cluff and Danny Pike stand on a stage and looking at the camera, smiling. Behind them there is purple lighting and a black fabric backdrop with white lights in it.Emily Coady-Stemp/BBC
Terri Collins, who won in the volunteer category last year, said the experience was "humbling"

The categories are:

  • The Volunteer Award – for an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others
  • The Young Hero Award – for an under-16-year-old who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional
  • The Great Neighbour Award – for an individual who helps make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work in, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness
  • The Active Award – for an individual or group who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community
  • The Animal Award – for either a remarkable animal that improves people's lives, or an individual or group who improve the welfare of animals
  • The Environmental Award – for an individual or group of people who improve or conserve their local environment
  • The Fundraiser Award – for an individual or group who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause
  • The Community Group Award (Supported by BBC TV show Morning Live) – for a group who have helped to change the lives of others within their community

To nominate someone, go to the Make a Difference site, with nominations closing at 17:00 BST on 31 March.

Last year's winners included John McCutchan, who prevailed in the fundraiser category for his efforts running the Arlington Bluebell Walk which raised more than £1m.

McCutchan, who is 90 this year, said: "I was astounded that someone would nominate me, and then to find out that I had actually won, it was a great surprise."

Terri Collins, who won the volunteer award for work which included launching affordable therapy service The Counselling Partnership, said it was "very humbling" to be recognised.

"It's always so nice when your peers nominate you," she said, adding that the awards presented an opportunity to "talk about the charity" and its important work.

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