WHO do you know who has gone the extra mile? Who deserves recognition for the work they have done in the community over the past year?

Cumbria’s biggest ever event celebrating community heroes from all walks of life has been launched.

Nominations are being sought from the public for the Pride of Cumbria Awards.

The awards have replaced three similar events - the West Cumbria, South Cumbria and Carlisle Community Heroes Awards.

Vanessa Sims, editor of the News and Star, said: “The coronavirus pandemic turned the world upside down.

“But in every corner of Cumbria extraordinary people have gone the extra mile to help the communities around them.

“So, whether you know an exceptionally selfless NHS worker, a caring business or a community volunteer, we want to hear from you so we can give them the recognition they deserve.

“These new Pride of Cumbria Awards will celebrate the very people who make our county a great place to live, work and play.

“Make sure the people you know who have helped the community through a year like no other know how much they are appreciated.”

David Beeby, the high sheriff of Cumbria, said: “It is really great to see these awards being run this year.

“Community champions are welcome at any time and they have been especially important in this last year.

“This is a great opportunity to turn the spotlight on some of the amazing community champions in Cumbria and show them how much they are appreciated.

“We can never thank them enough.”

Examples of categories include:

• Education hero of the year. This award will recognise an individual who works in the education sector - from the governor to a site manager and everyone in-between. This person will have gone above and beyond in the last year. They will have provided outstanding support for their pupils, demonstrated real creativity to deliver learning experiences and inspired youngsters and colleagues with their resilience and positivity.

• NHS worker of the year. This award will recognise an NHS hero who has gone above and beyond. They will have shown bravery, courage and resilience in their day-to-day work, demonstrated outstanding acts of kindness and compassion to families and patients and acted as an exemplary ambassador for the NHS.

Recruitment expertise business NRL has been confirmed as an associate sponsor of the awards.

Tyre company Pirelli is sponsoring the Covid-19 community champion of the year category while Stagecoach is sponsoring the keyworker of the year category.

The winners will be announced in a virtual awards ceremony held on July 29, 2021.

The online nomination form can be accessed here.