Only a couple of days remain for people to celebrate the town's unsung heroes.

The deadline for this year's Pride of Swindon Awards is on Friday, and the judges have urged anyone who hasn't already got their nominations in for this year's awards to get their skates on.

The awards recognise volunteers who have given their time selflessly for years, as well as people who have displayed remarkable courage, those who have helped reduce crime in the town and those who have given unselfish service to sports clubs. Extra-special neighbours and exemplary young people who have set an example to others in their community could also be considered for an award as well as inspiring teachers or health care professionals who have gone the extra mile.

The 2017 awards celebrated a number of individuals and groups for giving Swindon a reason to be proud of itself. The judges also presented a very special award in memory of Kevin Logan who lost his battle with cancer in 2016. In his final months he campaigned for greater testing of prostate cancer, leading to scores of men in Swindon undergoing the tests.

But the awards also celebrate the teams and organisations who have built a sense of community among the town.

Among the winners at last year's awards were Jaqueline Collins and Colin Crook who were honoured for their services to conservation and wildlife after the judges learned they had been installing bird nest boxes in parks around the town for almost 20 years.

Community champions the Penhill Street Reps were also honoured for their work with the Penhill neighbourhood to foster a sense of community.

The Swindon Lagoons Volunteer Group’s efforts to conserve the habitat of the lagoons and Rivermead saw them also receive an award after the judges heard that wildlife was booming in these environments.

Refugee champions The Harbour Project also saw themselves honoured for all of the work they have carried out to welcome refugees arriving in the town ever since the 2000 Kosovo conflict.

Prime Theatre – formerly Sixth Sense - received high praise for 30 years of helping youngsters find their feet on the stage, including from Helen Swanson, the headteacher of Drove Primary School. She said: “Prime Theatre, its team, productions and projects have been transforming Swindon for decades. Through my years in several schools I have witnessed Prime/Sixth Sense bring joy and skills to generations, especially children who are hard to reach or engage.”

The Witness Service team of volunteers at Swindon Crown Court were acknowledged for their support to witnesses as they face the nerve-racking experience of facing the court room, even carrying out pre-trial visits to prepare individuals for the event.

People only have until Friday, January 26, to submit their nominations for either individuals or groups by visiting www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/pride_hero