NOMINATIONS are being sought for awards from the mayor of West Devon to thank the borough's unsung heroes and heroines.

And this year, to join the categories of young person under the age of 18 and an organisation or business in the borough or a person aged 18 years or over, there will be a new accolade.

For the first time, the mayor's green award will go to an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to the conservation and protection of the natural environment of West Devon.

All over West Devon there are people who are working to make things better for the borough and its community. Now is the time to recognise their efforts by nominating them for the West Devon Mayoral Awards 2009.

The awards are held annually to recognise people who have done something particularly noteworthy within the borough or who have enhanced the reputation of the Borough on the national stage.

Mayor of West Devon, Cllr Terry Pearce, will lead the judges this year.

He said: 'I am sure that, as in other years, it will not be an easy decision. Three awards are to be made but this should not imply that the council does not recognise with gratitude the tremendous achievements of so many groups and so many individuals in all manner of enterprises across the borough.'

Last year the awards went to fourteen-year-old Hatherleigh student William Kivell and Okehampton Chamber of Trade member Donald Rooke, both of whom showed extraordinary commitment to their communities.

Nomination forms are available from the reception of the council's Kilworthy Park offices, the Okehampton Customer Services Centre at St James Street or from Janet Rosser, Mayor's Secretary, on 01822 813629.

The forms can also be completed on-line (or hard copies printed off for completion) at http://www.westdevon.gov.uk/MayoralAwards">www.westdevon.gov.uk/MayoralAwards

All entries should be received by the Mayor's Secretary by no later than Thursday February 20 and the winners will be announced in March.