Radio Humberside Make a Difference awards launches

The awards celebrate local community heroes

A BBC award scheme honouring community champions has opened for nominations.

The BBC Radio Humberside Make a Difference Awards celebrate local heroes who give their time to improve their communities.

It was set up in 2020 at the start of the first coronavirus lockdown.

For the first time, listeners to BBC local radio and members of the public will also be able to nominate and vote for animals that have had a positive impact in their communities.

The new category is also open to those who work with animals to improve their welfare.

• Make a Difference Awards - how to nominate

• A quick guide to the Make A Difference Awards

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Chris Burns, controller for local audio commissioning for BBC England, said: "We are a nation of animal lovers and our listeners often contact us with stories of what their pets mean to them and how they are supporting them.

"So we thought what better way to celebrate these achievements than with their own category at our Make A Difference Awards."

Adrian Ellis founded a military support group

Previous winners in the region include Adrian Ellis who founded a military support group after his veteran 24-year-old son George took his own life in 2021.

Others include Alan Dalgrains, who founded Hull Library of Stuff, to encourage people to borrow or donate things rather than buy new items.

The eight award categories for 2024 are:

• Volunteer

• Community

• Fundraiser

• Carer

• Great Neighbour

• Bravery

• The Green Award

• The Animal Award

Nominations close on 10 March at 11:00 GMT.

Winners will be announced at Make a Difference Award ceremonies hosted by local BBC radio stations up and down the country in September.

Ms Burns added: "Our local BBC radio stations hear amazing accounts every day from our listeners about the incredible work that goes on in their community.

"Many have faced tough times recently, so I am delighted that we will be honouring our local unsung heroes once again. It's those individuals that make where we live so special."