The four categories are open to all ages and finalists will be celebrated at an event in April.

Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: “The awards are one
of the legacies of the 850 th anniversary celebrations and I can think of no better way of
celebrating where we live than by recognising those who take it on themselves to make life
a little better for the rest of us.”

The four categories are:

Community champion: someone who does something special for their local community,
supporting a local cause and working with others to help their area flourish.

Young hero: for residents under the age of 18 who have a made a significant contribution
to their community, maybe through volunteering or environmental work for example, but
certainly they will be a rising star.

Sporting hero: open to all ages, this will be someone who has made a significant
contribution to sporting development or achievement in the borough, possibly as a player,
coach, team member or the person whose work makes it possible for others to reach their
potential.

Lifetime achievement: recognises someone who has persistently and tirelessly
championed a cause or community project which has had a long term and sustainable
impact on the borough.

In 2023, winners included a volunteer who launched a Scout section for older youngsters and built up membership to around 50 teenagers; a teenager who began as a volunteer at Kidsgrove Sports Centre before training to become a sports instructor and an expert on the borough’s industrial and cultural heritage who tirelessly works to help current generations understand their roots.

Cllr Tagg said: “If we reflect for a moment, I’m sure we can all think of someone who does
something to make a difference without looking for anything in return. Awards like this are an opportunity to thank people publicly for what they do and to celebrate the good in the heart of our communities.”

The deadline for nominations is 5pm on Wednesday, April 10. Nominations can be made online here