Send in those nominations for the heros of Swindon

It's the last chance for the residents of Swindon to come forward with their nominations for the first of this year's Swindon Borough Council Citizen Awards.

New Mayor, Cllr Derek Benfield has decided to run the first two Citizen awards at the same time. The closing date for nominations is 10 July 2003, so now is the time to phone up and nominate.

If you know of a young person that has excelled at school, sport or on a personal level, then pick up the phone and let the council know about it.

Last year, three-year-old Bethany Robinson was our winner. She was just 12 weeks old when diagnosed with Neuroblastoma and was very ill for a long time. Now she is fully recovered and learning to be the ears of her parents who both became deaf in childhood.

As well as a young person category, there is also one for good neighbours. So are you lucky enough to have a neighbour that you couldn't live without? Have they exceeded the realms of a neighbour and become a friend to you? Then let Swindon know about it.

Kathy Kirby from Shaw receives the Swindon Good Neighbour Award from last year's mayor councillor Stan Pajak

Kathy Kirby, 73, from George Tweed Gardens was last year's winner of the Good Neighbour award. Kathy had helped two of her neighbours with shopping, collecting prescriptions, doing housework and in general being helpful when they were ill and bed ridden. Kathy helped many other people at George Tweed Gardens with a happy and cheerful disposition.

All nominations will be placed before the Mayor, deputy Mayor and former mayor whose collective decision on the winner will be final.

The Mayor will present their prize at a full council meeting.

The categories are the same as last year and the important dates are as follows:

Category               Closing Date            Presentation Date
Young Person           10 July 2003            24 July 2003
Good Neighbour         10 July 2003            24 July 2003
Carer in Community     11 September 2003       25 September 2003
Environmental           4 November 2003        20 November 2003
Sporting Achievement    8 January 2003         15 January 2004
Work for Charity        1 April 2004           15 April 2004

For an application form please contact, Mayors secretary, Carole Deamer, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH Tel: 01793 463599 or mail: cdeamer@swindon.gov.uk