Nominations have begun for this year’s Mayor’s Pride Awards, which look to celebrate extraordinary local people and outstanding organisations in St Albans.

Residents are being encouraged to put forward who they think should be the recipients of the awards.

St Albans' Mayor, councillor Annie Brewster, will be selecting the winner of her own special Mayor’s Recognition Award, which will go to an inspirational individual or group that has made an outstanding impression on her during her year of office.

Previous recipients of this award include the charity Redbourn Care Group and Watling View School.

The categories for the awards are:

• Community Champion of the Year.

• Cultural Innovation Award

• Young Person of Distinction.

• Community Project of the Year.

• Community Oriented Business of the Year.

• Environmental Champion of the Year.

• Voluntary Sector Award.

• Inclusive Communities Award.

Councillor Brewster said: "I have met many incredible people and visited many wonderful groups so it will be hard to select just one to receive the Mayor’s Recognition Award.

"I am sure you too can think of lots of people and groups that also deserve to receive a Mayor’s Pride Award. Please make your nominations now and ensure that they receive public recognition for all their hard work. "

The Mayor’s Pride Awards is in its third year and are delivered by St Albans City and District Council.

The deadline for nominations is 5pm on Monday, August 12.

Winners of the awards will be announced at a free gala evening at the Alban Arena, on Thursday, October 24, at 6.30pm, which will be compered by broadcaster Kerry Cobb.

London 2012 Paralympics closing ceremony performer, Rory Mackenzie, a former army medic who lost his leg in an explosion in Iraq, will be speaking at the event.

There will also be a performance from the St Albans-based Trestle Theatre Company.

The evening is free to attend and will include a collection for the Mayor’s main charity, The Living Room, which provides group therapy, one-to-one counselling and support for people with addictions.

People are not allowed to nominate themselves for an award, although they can nominate the organisation for which they work or volunteer for.

For forms and further information about the awards visit www.stalbans.gov.uk/mayorsprideawards.

The nomination form is also available from the Council’s offices, the Alban Arena, Harpenden Public Halls and some leisure centres, doctors, dentists and schools across the District.

Tickets are by reservation only. To book your seats, telephone the Alban Arena on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk/whats-on/