Plenty of unsung heroes in Ely are being nominated for their inspirational community spirit following the launch of the Ely Hero Awards 2018.

Wisbech Standard: Ely Hero Awards 2017 - all the finalists at the awards ceremony held at The Maltings.Ely Hero Awards 2017 - all the finalists at the awards ceremony held at The Maltings. (Image: Archant)

Plenty of unsung heroes in Ely are being nominated for their inspirational community spirit following the launch of the Ely Hero Awards 2018.

A glitzy bash will be held at The Maltings in June, with nominations steadily coming in after dozens attended last weeks opening event.

Organised by drain care and repair specialists Metro Rod Cambridge - in partnership with The Ely Standard - it is the second year running that gongs will be given out to those who go that extra mile.

Naomi Sherwood, business development manager at Metro Rod, said: “The social media has really taken off with it and we had so much interest and quite a few nominations for the first week.

Wisbech Standard: Shop assistant Nav Aggarwal helped source a customer's favourite tea and earned a nomination as the Smiliest Server in the Ely Hero Awards 2017.Shop assistant Nav Aggarwal helped source a customer's favourite tea and earned a nomination as the Smiliest Server in the Ely Hero Awards 2017. (Image: Archant)

“The excitement around the city has been fantastic. It is great to get support in this way.

“This year the amount of sponsors and people we have involved is perfect and we have lots of active promotion, which has helped gain pace really quickly following the launch event.

“It is lovely to be out and about in Ely and see posters popping up in the shop windows. We can’t wait to see what nominations we have and hear the inspirational and deserving stories.

“I’d also like to thank my wonderful helpers Sadie Finch, local Virtual Assistant who collates the nominations and Luke Smith, Infiniti graphics who designed the incredible branding.”

The Smiliest Server category is for a person who has a customer facing role in the community. This person must be incredibly friendly and smile no matter what the weather.

There are 10 categories in which individuals can nominate their special ‘hero’ who lives or works in Ely and the surrounding villages, within a 10-mile radius.

The Colleague of the Year award is for that special teammate who always brings in the cake and brightens up the daily grind in the office.

For Caring Companion, you must have made a real impact on the quality of life of an individual. They may work in a local care home, provide some type of home-based care service, they could even be a doting partner or child.

Most Amazing Professional recognises a professional in the community who really makes a difference and goes above and beyond. This could be your fitness instructor, doctor, dentist, nurse, paramedic or mechanic, but to name a few.

Or do you have a neighbour who undoubtedly knows what ‘community’ means? Is there a neighbour that always looks after your dog, helps you with your shopping and keeps your street or village tidy? Then nominate for Neighbour of the Year.

The Community Champion award not only recognises, encourages and rewards people who make a difference within their community but inspires others to do the same. The award will be made to an individual whose time, effort, support and aspirations have made a notable contribution within their community for the benefit of those who live there.

Or maybe you want to thank your child’s teacher who has had a profound effect on their life? This teacher should be truly inspirational; they will be someone who can touch hearts and minds. They can be from a pre-school, primary, high school, special needs school/unit or college.

The Child of Achievement award is for a child under the age of 16, who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in their life. They may have overcome great odds or made sacrifices above and beyond their years.

The Sporting Hero award has been dedicated to sport or physical activity over many years. Their sporting skills, sheer achievement and excellence in their chosen activity will shine through against all odds.

And last but not least, is The Ely Hero Award. This award is the highlight of the night. Judges will select the winner either from entries received from other categories or from nominations specifically for this category. The Local Hero Award will look to reward someone who has done something truly remarkable and inspirational.

There are many local businesses who support the initiative too, including the Business Category Sponsors Grovemere Property, Elyi Magazine, Life Fitness, Thorlabs, Crown Garage Honda, Ely Gin Ltd, Xpert Resourcing and Kings School.

To nominate visit www.elyheroawards.org.uk.

Or the Facebook page at https://m.facebook.com/elyheroes

There will also be entry via the coupon in the newspaper.