RESIDENTS in Bolton are being urged to nominate unsung heroes and community champions as part of a nationwide search to find ‘The Best of British’.

Hearing specialist Amplifon has launched the 'Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons' in memory of the company’s founder and Second World War hero, Charles Holland, who was honoured for his bravery by Britain and the US.

After the war the courageous veteran dedicated his life to providing better hearing for people affected by the conflict and in 1950 launched Amplifon, which has become a global company providing hearing solutions and devices.

To honour his valiant actions, The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons will celebrate the achievements of exceptional people from all walks of life, of all ages and from all over the UK.

Nominations can be made in four categories – ‘Outstanding Military Bravery’, ‘Against All Odds’, ‘Community Champion’ and ‘Hero Pet’ – and Amplifon said it is keen to receive nominations from people in Bolton.

All those who nominate a hero will be entered into a free prize draw for a chance to win a £250 M&S gift card.

Kim Thompson, audiologist at Amplifon’s Bradshawgate branch in town, said: “These awards celebrate the real unsung heroes in our local communities – those truly remarkable people who are an inspiration to us all.

“We are looking for people who have overcome adversity to take on an exceptional challenge, community champions who have made a significant or inspirational contribution to their neighbourhood, hero pets who have transformed the lives of their owners, and former military personnel who showed courage in the service of their country.

“If you know someone who epitomises the ‘Best of British’ and deserves to be recognised then we’d love to hear about them.”

Closing Date for nominations is Friday August 11 and they can be made via the Amplifon website: www.amplifon.com/web/uk/awards

The winners will be unveiled by Falklands War veteran Simon Weston, who was voted Britain’s greatest hero in in a 2014 poll and recognised at a ceremony at the Army and Navy Club in London in October.

A panel of judges will also choose an overall hero from the category winners who will win a trip to Italy.