Kate ScotterThe hunt is on to find unsung Norwich heroes and heroines who give up their time for free to help people in their communities.Kate Scotter

The hunt is on to find unsung Norwich heroes and heroines who give up their time for free to help people in their communities.

The Civic Awards for Voluntary Service are run by Norwich City Council and aim to reward selfless people, young and old, from across the city who go the extra mile for others

There is just one week left to nominate an individual or group for one of the awards in recognition of the valuable and important work they do in Norwich.

Successful nominees will be invited to a reception and special ceremony at City Hall to receive their award and one lucky winner may have the opportunity to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2011.

Evelyn Collishaw, the Lord Mayor of Norwich, said: 'The award can be for any aspect of voluntary work, from practical assistance to community action, health or education, fundraising, supporting children or older people - there are so many ways that volunteers and organisations are supporting others in communities across the city.'

The Civic Awards are supported by Voluntary Norfolk and the Evening News, who help with judging.

As well as supporting the awards, Voluntary Norfolk is also this year's Civic Charity and is keen to encourage a wide-range of nominations this year.

Voluntary Norfolk chief executive Brian Horner said: 'For 40 years our key objective has been to support volunteers and voluntary organisations.

'Every year we are contacted by around 3,000 individuals wanting advice and guidance on where they can volunteer and support their communities - so we know for a fact that there are thousands of volunteers and hundreds of voluntary groups out there doing essential work.'

There are four categories:

Young people aged 11 to 25 years

Adults

Groups

Charity

The closing date is 5pm on Friday, March 12.

Each nomination must have two proposers who are not related to the person nominated and have not previously received a civic award.

Forms can be picked up from City Hall or downloaded at www.norwich.gov.uk

Has a volunteer made a difference to your life? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk