A CALL has gone out for members of the community to nominate unsung heroes of voluntary work in Wharfedale for an awards scheme run by Bradford Council’s Shipley Area Committee.

The award scheme is open to residents or small groups in the Shipley constituency, which includes Menston, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Bingley, Bingley Rural ward, Baildon, Shipley, and Windhill and Wrose wards.

Anyone nominated will have to meet certain criteria. Winners will receive a certificate from the Shipley Area Committee and be invited to an award ceremony in March 2015.

There are four categories: l established small group of volunteers, which has been operating for over three years, of any age up to a maximum of six named group members l new small group of volunteers, which has been operating for less than three years, of any age up to a maximum of six named group members l individual adult aged 22 or over l individual young person aged 21 or under.

Chairman of Shipley Area Committee, Councillor David Heseltine, said: “One of last year’s winners was a singing group for people with learning or physical disabilities. The team-work involved in learning new songs has helped the singers to become more confident, stronger and more independent.

Last year’s established group was won by rugby coaches who had voluntarily given up their Saturdays to train and play with players both with and without learning and physical disabilities.

“The two individual winners were Richard Freeman who has been the treasurer for Shipley Glen Tramway for over ten years; and Connor Simpson – a young leader with the Cub Scouts who was working on his Chief Scout Award at the time he was nominated.”

“I hope these inspirational examples will prompt people to nominate friends or relatives who are working to improve the quality of life for others.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, December 19. Contact Shipley area co-ordinator’s office on (01274) 437146 or email shipleyareaneighbour hoodforums@bradford.gov.uk for a nomination form