THE search is on for the unsung heroes and heroines in our community.

Trinity Mirror Cheshire has once again joined forces with ScottishPower to host Your Champions 2012 and pay tribute to the people who are making a real difference in our area.

Your Champions is this year celebrating its 25th year of recognising those unsung heroes in our community and this year’s finalists will be invited to a gala dinner at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Chester on Friday, November 9, when international snooker player Dennis Taylor will be on hand to present the awards to this year’s successful champions.

Ann Loughrey, head of corporate social responsibility at ScottishPower, said: “Your Champions awards provide a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the often unrecognised work of heroes in our communities.

“We welcome nominations for individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and are really making a difference. This could be helping out a neighbour, improving the environment or even an act of bravery.”

Michael Green, executive editor of Cheshire weeklies at Trinity Mirror Cheshire, said: “Your Champions is a special event every year and we have been proud to play our part in highlighting some wonderful stories about the incredible work that goes on behind the scenes of our communities.

“But hitting the 25th anniversary milestone will make 2012 even more memorable and I would urge everyone out there who knows of an individual or group who is deserving of recognition to let us know about them.”

The award categories are:
CHAMPION OF THE YEAR: The man or woman  making the most significant contribution to their community.
CHAMPION VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR:  An individual who has worked tirelessly to support a local charity or voluntary organisation.
CHAMPION TEAM OF THE YEAR:  A group of people making a contribution to their community.
SPORTING CHAMPION OF THE YEAR: An individual or team which has excelled in their sport and is an example to others.
YOUNG CHAMPION OF THE YEAR:  A special young person, under the age of 19, who has succeeded, often against the odds, or has helped others.

To nominate, visit www.ellesmereportpioneer.co.uk/yourchampions or complete the form in the paper and send it to Michael Green, Your Champions, Ellesmere Port Pioneer, Maple House, Park West, Sealand Road, Chester CH1 4RN. The closing date for nominations is October 12.