NOMINATIONS for community groups involved in volunteering are being encouraged for the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) by West Devon's MP.

Conservative Geoffrey Cox is encouraging nominations for the QAVS or the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Volunteering Award across the West Devon constituency.

The QAVS, the UK national honour equivalent in status to an MBE, was created by the Queen to recognise outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups and volunteers.

Nominations close at midnight on Sunday, September 30. For this award, groups cannot nominate themselves.

Mr Cox said: 'Since the award for voluntary service began in 2002 to mark the Golden Jubilee, 1,092 local community and voluntary groups have been chosen, and still there are many more exemplary groups deserving recognition.'

The Diamond Jubilee Volunteering Awards 2012 have been specifically introduced just for this year as an extension of the Award for Voluntary Service.

Nominations close on October 16 and for this award groups can nominate themselves.

Mr Cox added: 'The deadlines are fast approaching and there are specific criteria that must be met.

'I would be keen to support local nominations and very much hope some of West Devon's best examples of volunteering and commitment are acknowledged.'

People interested in making nominations should visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/qavs">www.direct.gov.uk/qavs