Devon and Cornwall BBC Make a Difference Awards launch

One of the previous winners says it gives recognition to everyday people

The BBC's Make a Difference Awards have been launched in Devon and Cornwall.

The campaign is an annual BBC local radio initiative launched at the height of the pandemic.

Its aim is to celebrate everyday acts of kindness by members of the public going above and beyond to make a difference where they live.

One of last year's winners, Hayley Gilbert, from Camborne Children's Clothing Bank, said the awards "give recognition to everyday people".

She said: "The Make a Difference awards are important as they give recognition to everyday people who volunteer and give up their time to help others.

"Winning this award makes you realise that you are doing good and making a difference. It makes all the time and effort you put in worth it."

• Make a Difference Awards - how to nominate

• A quick guide to the Make A Difference Awards

• The best of the Make a Difference Awards

David Thomas, manager of Shoalstone Seawater Pool, won the community group award last year.

David Thomas is a previous winner

He said: "I'm so proud of everything we've done - with the team, the volunteers and the trustees.

"It's a real achievement and it's so nice to share this award with some fantastic people, who all deserve to be here as well."

Chris Burns, controller, BBC Local Audio Commissioning, said: "Listeners often contact us to share the stories of how people help each other and we wanted to find a way of celebrating those unsung heroes in our communities and telling their amazing stories.

"These awards do just that."

Decisions are made in April and the BBC will announce its finalists in May.

Each local radio station has 32 finalists - four in each of the eight categories, and each of their stories is broadcast locally throughout the summer.

People are able to nominate from Monday until 10 March and view the full list of categories here.