UNSUNG heroes who make Knutsford a better place to live are being honoured.

Residents are invited to nominate people in the community who have done something exceptional to help and support other people.

Knutsford Town Council is seeking applications for the 2021 Town Awards

The awards cover five categories recognising the efforts of individuals, businesses and community groups for their service to the wider Knutsford community.

The awards have been sponsored by the Forum of Private Business since they were launched in 2013.

Ian Cass, managing director of the Forum said: “The Forum of Private Business are delighted to be sponsoring Knutsford’s town awards again after what has been a very difficult year for the town and the businesses in it.

"But Knutsford is a great community which works together and innovates to get through tough times like these.

"The Forum have been part of this community for over 40 years and are proud to support the town and the awards.”

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The Civic Award is presented to individuals who give their time voluntarily to undertake work in the community.

Previous winners in this category have included Beryl Jenyons for her voluntary service at the Welcome and Gary Davies for his role supporting Knutsford and District Scouts for more than 40 years. Three Civic Awards are presented each year.

The Business Award goes to a business which has supported or worked with the community. Last years winner were the traders of Knutsford Market Hall for their work supporting the most vulnerable in the community during the first coronavirus lockdown.

The Youth Award is presented to someone aged 21 or under who early in their lives have already started supporting the community.

Previous winners have included Lillie Bryers and Lucas Cronan for their litter picks on the moor and Emily Coffey for her voluntary work with the Kntusford First Responders.

The Community Award recognises the importance of the various voluntary organisations operating in Knutsford with awards having previously been presented to We Are Knutsford (2020), Knutsford Lions (2013) and Knutsford Beer Festival (2015).

The final category is the Extra Mile Award which is presented to someone who as part of their paid job is going above and beyond to the benefit of the community.

The first award went to Knutsford’s town ranger Bob Garner in 2019 with former PCSO Chris Pountain receiving the award in 2020.

Presented as part of the main Town Awards is the Knutsford and District Youth Council School’s Sustainability Award.

The Youth Council introduced the award in 2020 and is looking for businesses which demonstrate environmental awareness in their products and supply chain and work to minimise their carbon footprint.

Nominations for all awards are open until July 31and can be made at knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or in writing to Council Offices, Toft Road, Knutsford, WA16 6TA. Nominations need to be accompanied by a citation outlining why the nominee deserves an award. All nominations will be reviewed by a panel with awards presented at a special awards evening in September.