TODAY sees the launch of this year’s Pride of Swindon Awards giving you the chance to nominate an unsung hero from your neighbourhood.

Last year Dr Emma Court was one of the elite group of award winners after she hit the headlines for her brave action in wading into save the life of a man who was being beaten up in the street by a gang.

But the focus of the awards is not all about daring deeds. The panel of judges are looking at nominations for those who work in the voluntary sector giving up their time and services to help others, or someone who simply helped out an elderly neighbour during the recent snowfall, or rescued a dog from a frozen lake, a skilled worker or sportsman, a young person who is a role model or a teacher who is an inspiration, in fact anyone that goes that extra mile.

The mayor of Swindon Rex Barnett is supporting this year’s Pride of Swindon Awards.

He said: ‘’As we have been going round the town I can’t believe the wonderful workers there are, how many hours the volunteers dedicate to helping others. I have been meeting all these great people who make us so welcome. It has been a brilliant eye opener that made me realise what a great town we have got. They all deserve a Pride of Swindon award.’’

Last year more than 100 special people were nominated and 54 recognised for their sterling work in the community while the top 18 chosen were presented with Isambard Brunel badges and had their names inscribed on a plaque that sits in the Central Library for everyone to see.

The winners were presented with their prizes at a glittering awards ceremony held at Swindon Town Football Club’s Legend’s Lounge.

The Swindon Advertiser is one of the organisers running the awards and the editor Dave King feels strongly that it is the everyday heroes that deserve recognition.

“We are delighted to orchestrate these awards and meet those that have the X factor in caring for their community. We want to honour those that go above and beyond their call of duty.’’

This is the third year of Pride of Swindon Awards and the judging panel has introduced a new Team Award for this year.

“You can now nominate a team of people carrying out an invaluable service benefiting local people,’’ said Dave.

The closing date for nominating your local hero is Wednesday February 23 and the awards ceremony will be in April.

For more details and application forms visit www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk and click on Pride of Swindon link.