Volunteers who have contributed to the life of Dover for at least three years could be in line for an award.

Dover Mayor Cllr Diane Smallwood this week launched the 2009 Civic Awards scheme which is designed to honour those who have helped the community in some way.

The awards were first presented last year and nominations are now being sought for this year's awards.

Names have to be submitted by April 10 and a panel of judges, headed by the Mayor, will meet to decide who the 2009 recipients will be. A presentation ceremony will be held at the Town Council office on April 27.

There are two criteria for nominations. The first is a resident of the town of Dover who provides voluntary service or raises funds for charity and has done so since at least January 1, 2006, and the second is someone living outside Dover who provides voluntary service within the town or raises funds for charities specifically within the town, and has done so since January 1, 2006.

Nomination forms are available from the town council office, Maison Dieu House in Biggin Street, and people can then give their reasons for the nomination.

"The Civic Award is a way to acknowledge and thank people who work quietly behind the scenes helping others in the community," said Cllr Smallwood.