NOMINATIONS are already coming in for Bolton’s Unsung Heroes who underpin the life of the town every day.

These are the people who quietly work away for the good of others, seeking no reward for themselves. But now the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, has got together with the University of Bolton to bring them out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

They have teamed up with the Bolton News and Bolton FM to launch the hunt to find Bolton’s Unsung Heroes and honour them at a special awards’ ceremony at Bolton Town Hall on March 25 next year.

These are local individuals like the woman at the food bank who greets everyone with a smile and does her best to brighten their day. Or the young lad who calls in every few days on his elderly neighbour to ensure she has enough shopping and to spend some valuable time with her.

We want to hear about the lollipop ladies and men who turn out in all weathers for their young charges and always have a cheery word, even remembering children’s birthdays. Or the elderly man who spends his spare time ensuring his neighbourhood always looks good by picking up litter each week.

As the Mayor of Bolton stated: “We know there are hundreds of these amazing people out there who happily give their time and make a difference to the lives of others. We just want to hear about them from family and friends so everyone can appreciate them.”

There are six categories in the awards covering education, environment, health, sport, community and young people under 25. Entry is by form, downloadable from https://www.bolton.ac.uk/the-unsung-heroes-of-bolton/ or by contacting the Mayor’s office on 01204 331090 or by emailing mayorsoffice@bolton.gov.uk. Entries close on January 31, 2020. A panel of judges will select three finalists in each category and six winners who will all be invited along with their supporters to the Unsung Heroes’ Awards’ presentation event.