Ray Mears to judge BBC's Make a Difference Awards

Ray Mears joins the team of judges for this year's Make a Difference Awards

Survival expert Ray Mears will join MPs Nusrat Ghani and Monica Harding to judge this year's BBC Make a Difference Awards in Surrey and Sussex.

The awards have been running for 14 years and recognise individuals and groups who make a difference to people living locally.

Ray will be judging this year's fundraiser category, while Esher and Walton MP Ms Harding judges the volunteer category and Sussex Weald MP Ms Ghani judges the community group category.

"I am delighted to be a judge, it is a real honour, and choosing winners is never an easy task as there are always so many worthy candidates," said Ray.

"Learning of their achievements, sacrifices and contributions is a very special experience, one that restores my faith in our society."

Ms Harding said she had seen first-hand how volunteers made a positive difference in her constituency.

"Whether it's helping to prevent loneliness, cleaning up litter, creating activities for young people or befriending the elderly, volunteers help to put the heart into our community," she said.

Ms Ghani said the work by volunteers in her community was often overlooked.

"It's a fantastic way of recognising brilliant people and gives us a moment to say thank you," she said.

The Make a Difference Awards is a BBC initiative to honour community champions across eight different categories.

To nominate someone go to the Make a Difference Awards site, with nominations closing at 17:00 BST on 31 March.