PR252

For immediate release

20 September 2006

The Mayor’s Special Award is one of nine categories in the 1st Civic Awards for the People of Great Yarmouth which is being announced this week.

The awards, the brain-child of Mayor Sue Robinson and her secretary Laura Goodman, will salute the Borough’s achievers of all ages and from all walks of life.

Nominations are open until January 31 for presentations which will take place in March.

“We want people to come forward and nominate individuals, groups and business who have helped others or brought acclaim to the Borough,” explained Sue. “This encompasses work within fields as diverse as sport, caring, communities and the environment.

“We have already received enormous support from sponsors but there are still some categories that need a backer.”

The nine categories are:

• Young Citizen of the Year – A young person under the age of 18 who has made a significant contribution to the Borough, or achieved educational success and/or overcome personal difficulties.

• Community Award – (Sponsored by The Mercury). A community group or organisation that has made a significant improvement to the area in which it lives, or who has made a specific achievement to the benefit of others within the Borough.

• Lifetime Achievement – (Sponsored by The Italian Restaurant, King Street). A person who has gone the extra mile and provided an excellent contribution, dedication and service to the Borough.

• Sport and Culture – (Sponsored by Radio Norfolk). A person who has excelled at sports, arts and culture which has brought credit to themselves or the Borough.

• Business of the Year – A company large or small that has achieved outstanding success and shown their support to the Borough.

• Environment Awareness Award – An individual that has significantly made an improvement to the environment - be it a project or individual achievement.

• Carer Award – A person who has shown outstanding commitment and support and improved another person’s life.

• Voluntary Award – (Sponsored by Councillor Bert Collins). A person who has given their time freely to help others.

• Mayor’s Special Award – (Sponsored by Their Worship the Mayor). An individual who has overcome exceptional difficulties, or has shown bravery and courage.

To be eligible for nomination a person has to have been resident in the Borough for a minimum of two years prior to January 31 2007.

“The Civic Awards are an excellent opportunity for the Borough to celebrate the achievements made by people in all walks of life and to discover some unsung heroes,” said Councillor Leader Barry Coleman.

“But we do need the public to contribute and help us find the people that really make a difference to other people’s lives.”

“To nominate a candidate for any of the categories there are forms available from libraries, CLIP offices, Town Hall, Council Offices and community outlets such as doctor’s surgeries,” said Laura. “Or alternatively an application can be found here.

“The qualifications in each category have been left quite wide to allow a range of achievements to be considered in each, and where we say an individual if someone wants to nominate a group that is also ok.”

To become a sponsor all an individual, group or business has to do is to agree to provide a trophy or a prize which is relevant to the category they are backing. Sponsors will help to chose the winner of their category and attend the March award ceremony.

“The Mercury is proud to honour the people who work hard for their community - they are often the unsung heroes and heroines of a more peaceful and happier life,” said Anne Edwards Editor of the Mercury.

“In the busy world of today, we sometimes don't know who our neighbours are, and people who with seemingly boundless energy manage to bring a community together and make us aware of who we live near to, should be applauded. Communities which fight together can get things done and communities which laugh together and work together are happier and secure.

“As a community newspaper there couldn't be a better category for the Mercury to support.”

To learn more about the awards or how to become a sponsor contact the Mayor’s Secretary Laura Goodman on 01493 846125.

Issued by:
Liz Dann
Press Officer
Great Yarmouth Borough Council
01493 846513