FOUR new categories have been added to Bovey Tracey Town Council’s Community Awards – and they are now open for nominations

The town council presents the awards to individuals or groups as a thank you for making the parish of Bovey Tracey (including Heathfield) a better place to live, work in and visit.

As well as the long-standing Young Citizen and Honorary Representative of the Lord of the Manor categories, the four new awards reflect the wider business community and include a new environmental champion.

Town council awards lead, Cllr Tony Allen, said: ‘We want to know about our unsung heroes and the work they do to improve the lives of others. This could be volunteering with youth groups, charities, clubs or societies, coaching a local sports team, helping or looking out for those with disabilities, protecting the local environment, providing an excellent business service for customers... the possibilities are endless.’

Cllr Allen continued: ‘If you know someone you feel deserves to be considered for one of these awards, don’t leave it, hoping someone else will make the recommendation. Get a nomination form, and send it in to the council. All the winners and approved nominees will receive a certificate in recognition of their achievements.’

The title of Honorary Representative of the Lord of the Manor is awarded annually for long-term voluntary service in Bovey or Heathfield.

Last year’s award winner was Martin Brealey for his work with Bovey Tracey Swimming Pool Trust.

Amy Horrell and Sam Russell were joint winners of the Young Citizen of the Year award in recognition of their valued assistance to the health and welfare of someone in distress and to the smooth running and coaching of youngsters at Bovey Cricket Club respectively.

New for 2020 are four additional award categories: Volunteer or Voluntary Group of the Year, Business of the Year, Good Neighbour of the Year, and Environmental Champion of the Year.

Nomination forms are available on the town council’s website www.boveytracey.gov.uk or from the town hall, local SPAR shop, Bovey Library, or Heathfield Community Centre. Forms must be returned to the town hall Monday, March 2.

The winners will be announced at a special Bovey Celebrates event, incorporating the annual town meeting, on Wednesday, March 25.

For further information, contact town clerk Mark Wells on 01626 834217 or email [email protected].