NOMINATIONS have opened for the 2026 Bovey Tracey and Heathfield Community Awards with the Town Council hoping to celebrate the people and groups who make life better.

This year’s three categories are Community Champion, Young Citizen of the Year and Honorary Representative of the Lord of the Manor of Bovey Tracey.

Each award is open to people living, working or volunteering in the Parish of Bovey Tracey, which includes Heathfield.

Nominations may be submitted by anyone who has a good experience of the nominee’s activities.

With the February 28 deadline approaching, Town Clerk Mark Wells said: ‘If you know such a candidate, why not nominate them for the appropriate award?’

The Young Citizen of the Year Award is for a young person, or group of young people aged 18 or under, who have made a difference to, or significant contribution to the parish over the past year.

This may be overcoming personal challenges, through a team effort to support a group activity, or perhaps they have helped family, friends or other members of the wider community.

The Community Champion Award is a special one for someone or a group who have really gone over and above for the benefit of the wider community.

A spokesman said: ‘Finally, the Honorary Representative of the Lord of the Manor of Bovey Tracey dates back to the fact that, unusually, the town council actually holds the title of Lord of the Manor, and we want to recognise someone for their long-term commitment to the parish.

'Again, this could be an individual or groups, sports clubs, charities, churches, voluntary groups, local businesses, schools or local public sector organisations.

‘If you think their contributions are going unrewarded then please, consider making a nomination, explaining how you think your candidate has improved the quality of life.’

Judging will be by a panel of councillors and community leaders with the winners announced at the Annual Town Meeting on March 23.

Nominations can be made at www.boveytracey.gov.uk.