THE search is now on for local residents who have made an outstanding contribution to voluntary community transport in the county.

Nomination forms are now available for the Devon Community Transport Volunteer Awards held annually by Devon County Council.

The award ceremony aims to recognise and raise awareness of volunteer work in the community transport sector and coincide with National Volunteer Week — June 1 to 7.

Anyone working voluntarily in the community transport sector can be nominated.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, May 1. They will be assessed by a panel and 12 finalists, will be shortlisted, and then invited to an award ceremony at Larkbeare House in Exeter on Friday, June 5.

The person considered by the judges to have made an outstanding contribution to Voluntary and Community Transport is selected as the 'Volunteer of the Year'. All the finalists receive a commemorative gift, with an additional prize for the winner.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council executive member for environment, said: 'These awards have proven very popular ever since they were established, and it has been a great way to say thank you to the dedicated community transport volunteers across Devon.'

Nomination forms are available online at http://www.devon.gov.uk/community_transport">www.devon.gov.uk/community_transport or by calling Devon County Council's Community Transport Team on 01392 382123.