THE search continues for would-be Star volunteers – with just one week left to make nominations for this year’s awards.

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

So far there have been nominations for a local ramblers group, who rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in clearing paths and installing new gates to improve facilities for local walkers; a volunteer driver who gives up his time to take people to important medical appointment and has spent decades volunteering for various organisations; and a St John’s Ambulance volunteer, who thanks to his quick reactions at a local event, helped a man suffering from a cardiac arrest – probably saving his life.

Working with ‘Somerset You Can Do’ and the local volunteer networks, Somerset County Council is throwing its support behind the 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 June 1-7, 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 up until May 1.

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.

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.”