The search is  now on again to find the often unsung heroes and heroines in our area.

The awards are being organised by Ackrill Media Group, publishers of the Harrogate Advertiser, Ripon Gazette, Knaresborough Post and Nidderdale Herald, together with Coun John Fox,  who as the Mayor of Harrogate  in 2008 was instrumental in launching the awards, and the Harrogate and Ripon Volunteer centres. We want readers to nominate volunteers in all the categories listed, so we can honour them in a special  Awards Ceremony at The Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate on October 15th 2010. 

Coun Fox said: "We want to pay tribute to the huge contribution that so many people make to community life.
"We are inviting organisations, groups or individuals to participate in this great thank-you event for volunteers. Through the Volunteer Centres we are asking groups from throughout the Borough to nominate volunteers for this awards celebration. Our very own ‘Oscars’ for those who volunteer in the Borough of Harrogate.

Ackrill Media Group Editor Jean MacQuarrie said: "Thousands of people volunteer in the Borough of Harrogate every week, helping organisations achieve their purpose. They help and support in many different ways, doing jobs big and small, all of which are so important in making a difference, and now is the time to say a huge thank you to all these willing volunteers." Shortlisted nominees will be invited to bring a friend with them to  the Awards Ceremony which will celebrate volunteering in the Borough and to find out who has won the awards. Readers can nominate anyone in the Harrogate District, including Ripon, Knaresborough, Nidderdale, Pateley Bridge, Masham and Boroughbridge. The awards will be publicised in all Ackrill Media Group titles in the Harrogate district - the Harrogate Advertiser, Knaresborough Post, Ripon Gazette, Nidderdale Herald.  Special thanks go to the sponsors who include Procter&Gamble,  Asda, Ogdens of Harrogate and The Old Swan Hotel Closing Date for nominations is noon on September 20th 2010.