A REVOLUTIONARY new approach to rewarding the unsung heroes of Gravesham has been announced.

Now you can nominate a deserving person for the Taking Pride in Gravesham Awards, sponsored by the Gravesend Messenger, by clicking a button, or picking up the phone.

Gravesham Borough Council has streamlined the process this year and is now braced for a flood of applications for the awards ceremony that seeks to highlight the man or woman in the street who makes an outstanding contribution to community life.

Christopher Woodley, head of policy and partnerships at the council, said: "We are making it far simpler for people to apply. They just need to send us the details of someone they think is worthy. We will check the details to save people the task of seeking out the information themselves."

A council officer has been assigned to research each application and compile testimonies.

The move was made in response to feedback showing people wanted to nominate their local hero, but simply could not find the time.

There could now be more winners in each of the seven categories for the ground-breaking awards, now in its successful third year.

Mr Woodley said: "There are still the same categories but there is the possibility of awarding more than one. We are not limited to one per category if we feel there are deserving people."

Cllr John Burden, council leader, said: "I’m hoping there will be a lot more applications because there are a lot of people out there doing a very good job in the borough.

"This is something we genuinely believe in. Too often the hard work of people in our community isn’t recognised. And a lot are doing it for no reward other than they want to help."

Click here to nominate someone and to find out more details >>>