The search is on for a Guardian Angel!

The search is on to find the town’s Guardian Angels.

Has a neighbour made an outstanding difference to your life? Is your community a better place because of the work somebody has done?

Do you know someone who has shown great courage or simply great compassion? If so, now is the time to say a huge thank you by nominating them for the Guardian Angels 2011 award.

The award will recognise the excellent work people throughout the town do to help others in the community – work that really touches people’s lives but often goes unacknowledged.

There are eight award categories in total.

Finalists and guests will also be invited to an awards ceremony at Northwich Memorial Hall, on Wednesday, December 7 when the winners will be announced.

We want to hear about your unsung heroes of mid Cheshire in the following categories:

1. NEIGHBOUR OF THE YEAR

Do you have an exceptional neighbour in your community who is always there to lend a helping hand?

If you know someone who has perhaps displayed an act of generosity, cared for an elderly neighbour, prevented a crime or simply they can always be relied upon as a pillar of the community, please send in your examples and reasons for their nomination.

2. YOUNG HERO OF THE YEAR

Young people often get a bad reputation by association, when in fact there are some great stories out there about ordinary young people doing extraordinary things.

They may have given their time to a good cause, overcome adversity in extreme circumstances or excelled in a particular challenge that has helped others. If you recognise a young hero in your community, we want to hear about them.

3. PARENT OF THE YEAR

Does your mum or dad qualify to be our parent of the year?

They may have shown incredible courage that has helped to enhance your life or the lives of others, overcome times of hardship during illness, poverty or bereavement or offered outstanding parental guidance either within or outside the family unit that deserves special recognition.

If you feel that one of your parents deserves such an award then write to us and tell us why.

4. PUPIL OF THE YEAR

Have you taught a pupil who displayed fantastic results or determination?

Perhaps they have received amazing exam results or maybe a fellow student has impressed you with their ideas and commitment. It could be a pupil who has been creative with extra-curricular ideas for events and education fundraising. If you feel that someone is deserving of this award , please nominate them for this special category.

5. CARER OF THE YEAR

Are you cared for by someone who’s loyalty will never lie elsewhere?

Do you know a young carer who takes on roles above average responsibilities? Some great people are cared for by even greater people. Perhaps they have become a fantastic personal friend and gone beyond their role. We believe these people need recognition, so help us do so by telling us your stories.

6. LOCAL SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR

When people think of sporting excellence it sums up images of achievement, positivity, healthy living, keeping active and commitment.

Guardian Angels recognises those individual sports people who have achieved something special or added to the local sporting community. If you know someone who is worthy of this award, then please tell us about them and give us a chance to reward them for their outstanding efforts.

7. FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR

Do you have a champion fundraiser in your community?

Someone who against all odds, goes the extra mile to raise money for the good of others. In some cases they may have battled with their own illness or shown great courage and determination in taking an active role in raising awareness for their dedicated charity.

We look forward to hearing about these unique and exceptional people.

8. CONTRIBUTION TO COMMUNITY

Is there someone you know locally who is considered to be a pillar of the community?

They may have given their time and effort on a voluntary basis, organised events/fetes for the good of the local residents or simply displayed tremendous compassion and loyalty to their friends and neighbours.

If you feel that someone in your community deserves this accolade, we need to know who they are.

To nominate someone you think deserves to win an award, simply write to Guardian Angels, 3-6 Theatre Court, London Road, Northwich, CW9 5HB or click here to email not forgetting to put 'Guardian Angels' in the subject line.

Nominations should include which category is being entered, your contact details and a summary, in no more than 300 words, about why you think your nominee should win.

The closing date for entries is 5pm on Friday, November 25.