BBC Lincolnshire Make a Difference Awards open for nominations

The winners from last year's Make a Difference awards

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

The BBC Radio Lincolnshire Make a Difference Awards celebrate local heroes who go the extra mile for others in their community.

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

For the first time this year the awards feature a category for animals that have had a positive impact on their communities. The category is also open to those who work in animal welfare.

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Chris Burns, a senior local radio executive 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.

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

Neil Woodmansey and Colin the dog rescued earthquake survivors in Turkey and Morocco

Previous winners in Lincolnshire include a team of firefighters who helped with rescue efforts after earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco and teenager Summer Willets who raised £35,000 for local charities with an emphasis on animal welfare.

The eight award categories for 2024 are:

• Volunteer

• Community

• Fundraiser

• Carer

• Great Neighbour

• Bravery

• The Green Award

• The Animal Award

Nominations close on Sunday 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 said: "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 who make our communities special."