NORTHWICH’S new mayor is looking to promote the work of selfless community volunteers during her time as the town’s first citizen.

Alison Gerrard, who was elected town mayor for the 2018/19 civic year last month, is looking to launch a good citizen award in partnership with the Guardian.

Each month, we will be asking you to nominate your community heroes, who have gone the extra mile to help make a positive impact.

As well as a monthly winner, Cllr Gerrard hopes to recognise those who have given something back to the town with a series of awards at the end of her mayoral year, next May.

The new mayor was inspired to launch the idea when she saw a woman clearing up Leftwich Green over the recent May Bank Holiday, when it was left in disarray following the visit of a group of travellers.

Cllr Gerrard said: “There are a lot of people out there who give up their time voluntarily, and do things which I would say go above and beyond the call of duty.

“When I drove past and saw that woman I was so touched. She had gone out without the feeling that she was going to be rewarded – she had bothered to think that something needed doing.

“There are people in Northwich who are doing these things off their own back.

“This is an opportunity to recognise people, not just with a bunch of flowers but a ‘thank you’ for doing it for your community.”

The woman who had made the effort to clear up mess at Leftwich Green, Granville Road resident Charlotte Best, was praised during a town council meeting, and this week received flowers to thank her for her efforts.

She said: “I just went out and did something and the reaction was ‘wow’. I was totally shocked. I was just filling bags ready for collection by the council. It was just something that I just did – I didn’t expect anything to be honest.

“I just did it because that’s where I live and I love where I live. It’s a family community and everybody uses that field.”

You can send in your nominations for the next good citizen monthly award to ned.bristow@nqnw.co.uk or call 01606 813621.

Be sure to include your name and the name of the community champion you wish to nominate, as well as contact details and the reason for your nomination.