NOMINATIONS are now officially open for this year’s Somerset Star Volunteer Awards.

The County Council-backed awards celebrate individuals and groups, young and old, who volunteer in their communities and have a positive impact on people’s lives.

Working with ‘Somerset You Can Do’ and the local volunteer networks, Somerset County Council is once again throwing its support behind this very special campaign to say a big thank you to all those hardworking volunteers and volunteer groups that play such a vitally role.

There will be five winners crowned in total, one from each district area, chosen by the local volunteer network.

Each district will present their ‘Somerset star’ with their award during National Volunteers Week, which runs from Monday 1 until Sunday June 7, at locally arranged events taking place across the county to celebrate. All entries will then be put forward to win the prestigious County Star Volunteer, which will be awarded at the Somerset County Council Chairman’s Awards in the autumn. Nominations are welcome for individuals and volunteer groups from April 1 until Friday 1 May.

You can nominate a star volunteer online on the Somerset Celebrating Volunteering website at scvolunteering.com , or for more information, contact your local Volunteer Centre.

Somerset County Council funds Somerset You Can Do to support some of its volunteer opportunities.

For more information on becoming a volunteer and to find out more about volunteering opportunities on in your area, visit do-it.org/ Bryan Mitchell, from Somerset You can Do, said: “Volunteers do so much to help others and this is a chance to recognise the fantastic work they do.

"The Somerset Star Awards are a great way to recognise the hard work of our residents who do some much for other without asking for anything in return.

"So make sure you get your nominations in by the end of April.”