Do you know someone who is dedicated to improving our community and needs to be recognised?

Now is the time to give them the spotlight, as the Pride in Medway Awards launch for 2019.

The scheme is open for the 17th year, celebrating those who go the extra mile to make Medway better.

People can nominate unsung heroes for awards in eight categories — Charity Fundraiser, Community Service, Good Carer, Green Champion, Health and Hospital, Volunteer of the Year and Young Heroes.

A new addition to categories for 2019 is Sports Coach of the Year, in memory of Medway Messenger senior news editor Sarah Clarke.

It was a special recognition award in 2018 but proved so popular, it has been made a permanent category.

It commemorates Sarah Clarke, who worked at the Medway Messenger for more than 30 years. She passed away in February after fighting cancer.

Sarah was the driving force of the awards. Sports Coach of the Year will reflect and remember Sarah’s passion for football.

There were more than 70 nominees for the last awards.

A short-list of 35 finalists will be drawn up and invited to a certificate presentation evening.

The event will be hosted by KMFM's Nicola Everrett, and nominees will be invited to the stage and awarded a certificate

The sponsors — who this year include Medway Messenger, Medway Council, Uniper, AC Goatham & Son, Southeastern, mhs homes, Spire Alexandra Hospital, MidKent College, Bridgewood Manor Hotel — will choose one winner each from any of the categories, with prizes for all nine.

Winners will be invited to a special gala awards night where then sponsors will present their awards.

One nominee will then be presented with the Sarah Clarke Award, which gives special recognition to one of the 35 finalists but is separate to the Sports Coach category.

Another will win the overall Pride In Medway Award.

In 2018 League of Friends were the overall winners for their vital voluntary service at Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham. The team of more than 100 volunteers man the help desk, work in the hospital shops and guide patients to their ward.

To enter this year's awards click here.

For people who raise money tirelessly pick Charity Fundraiser.

The Community Service category is for individuals or groups who raise funds, represent minority groups or organise public events.

To nominate a carer, whether professional or family member, who improves a less-abled person’s life select Good Carer.

A Green Champion nominee should recycle, litter pick, create pro-green groups and make Medway environmentally friendly.

Healthcare professionals, volunteers, family and friends who have gone the extra mile to help a sick patient, qualify for the Health and Hospital category.

The Volunteer of the Year gives their time generously to a volunteer-dependent organisation

Under 18s who deserve recognition for personal achievements, helping others or for actions in a difficult situation, should be nominated in the Young Heroes category.

In the new category, Sports Coach nominees must give up time to teach any sport either professionally or voluntarily.

Nominations are open until Friday, December 14.