The People of Dover Awards are being launched today (Thursday).

It is the four year of the awards, organised by Dover Town Council, with the support of Mercury. They aim to thank the people who make a real difference to the town or its residents.

They give recognition to those who help to improve the quality of life for others as well as celebrating the excellent work done by individuals, groups and businesses across the town.

The awards do not have to be for a long-standing or ongoing activity; they could be for a one-off helping hand or a special effort, someone who has gone the extra mile for the benefit for others.

There are six awards covering different categories but the descriptions are left open and some suggestions are being given to help people decide who to nominate and what for.

The categories are for outstanding contributions to: business in Dover; beautiful Dover; helping your neighbour; health, sport and wellbeing; heritage; and voluntary and community work.

The person nominated does not have to live in Dover but the contribution they have made must have benefited either the town or its residents. Nominations will be considered by a panel which will draw up a shortlist, and those selected will be voted on by the public to decide who receives the award. Nominations can be made for individuals, groups or businesses.

Mayor of Dover, Councillor Chris Precious said, “The awards are a way of recognising those who help to improve the quality of life for others in Dover as well as celebrating the excellent work done by individuals, groups and businesses across the town. If you would like to say thank you to someone for making Dover a better place then please fill out a nomination form.”

The categories are for outstanding contributions to business in Dover, beautiful Dover, helping your neighbour, health, sport and wellbeing, heritage, and voluntary and community work.

The closing date for nominations is February 19 and the award ceremony will be on May 4.

From next Thursday, nominations can be made via www.kentonline.co.uk/peopleofdoveraward or at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PODA2015