A chance to honour the unsung heroes of Reigate and Banstead borough has come around again.

For Reigate and Banstead Borough Council has announced the opening of nominations for this year's Mayor’s Volunteer Awards.

Residents, community groups and voluntary organisations in the borough are being invited to nominate people they know who give up their time to volunteer. Nominations can be made online.

The awards, which are organised in partnership with Reigate and Banstead Voluntary Service, recognise and celebrate the contribution local volunteers make to the wider community. Nominations can come from youth groups, schools, sports clubs, arts groups, health services or individuals. The Mayor of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, Roger Newstead, said: “The Volunteer Awards is one of the highlights of my year. “It is really important we recognise how much volunteers do for our community. Without them, many services and projects just wouldn't happen.”

Coun Newstead said: “I would like to encourage everyone to nominate a volunteer they know so that they can be recognised at the awards reception in July.”

This year, a new fifth category is being introduced – the Business Volunteering Project of the Year.

The other categories are the Young Volunteer Award, for volunteers under 25 who have completed at least two years of voluntary service, the Individual Volunteer Award, for volunteers who have completed a considerable length of voluntary service and have made an exemplary voluntary contribution, the Team Award, for a team of volunteers who have excelled in their provision of help to a community association or charity, and the Individual Trustee Award or Trustee Team Award.

This last category would include the chairman, treasurer, secretary or Board of Trustees who have shown due diligence, good governance and commitment in the running of a voluntary organisation. Des Shepherd, manager of Reigate and Banstead Voluntary Service, said: “I hope The Mayor’s Community Awards will show how much we appreciate and value the commitment and hard work put in by volunteers, and will inspire others to do the same.”

Nominations can be made online via the council's website at: www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/mayorsawards The deadline for nominations is Friday, June 7, and successful nominees will then be invited to a special reception at the Royal Alexandra and Albert School in Reigate in July.