The search is on to find West Dunbartonshire’s community champions for the 2018 Provost’s Civic Awards, in partnership with the Wheatley Group.

The annual awards celebrate residents who make a significant contribution to improving the area and the lives of people who live here.

Local heroes can be nominated across five categories and claim the titles of Arts and Culture Champion, Sports Champion, Community/Voluntary Champion (Individual), Community/Voluntary Champion (team) and Youth Champion.

From this shortlist, Provost William Hendrie will select one overall winner who will be named West Dunbartonshire’s Citizen of the Year.

Provost Hendrie said: “The Provost’s Civic Awards are a great way to publically thank the many people in our communities who are doing fantastic work that often goes unnoticed. The Civic Awards are a great opportunity for me to publically acknowledge and thank our residents who go that extra mile.

“I know we have so many worthy residents who deserve recognition for the great work they do and it’s now up to the public to nominate them and give them the recognition they thoroughly deserve.

“I’m delighted to launch the 2018 awards and would urge residents to come forward and nominate the people who make a difference every day to residents in West Dunbartonshire.”

The winners will be celebrated at an awards dinner this year, have their names added to the boards at Clydebank Town Hall, and be guests of the Provost at the Queen’s annual garden party at Holyrood.

From April 9, nominations can be made online at www.provostawards.com or by completing the nomination forms available from West Dunbartonshire Council buildings including libraries, GP surgeries, leisure centres and one stop shops.

The 2018 Provost Civic Awards, in partnership with the Wheatley Group, has the following category sponsors:

Arts and Culture Champion sponsored by Morgan Sindall

Nominations are sought on behalf of individuals who live and operate in West Dunbartonshire. The nominee can work in the arts in a voluntary or professional capacity. Typically they would have undertaken imaginative work in any one of the arts, such as drama, dance, music literature, the visual arts and crafts including photography and/or demonstrated good practice in the organisation of arts projects and events.

Sports Champion

Nominations are invited for individuals who live in West Dunbartonshire and have achieved recognition for their performances at local, national or international sport or who have contributed to local sports development or coaching.

Community/Voluntary Champion (individual) sponsored by CCG

Nominations are sought for individuals based in West Dunbartonshire who have made a positive contribution to the local community. Examples could be new or additional activities or initiatives or outstanding service, which has led to an improved quality of life for the people of this area.

Community/Voluntary Champions (team)

Nominations are invited for community and voluntary groups based in West Dunbartonshire who have made a positive contribution to the local community. Examples could be launching new activities or clubs in the area, or creating initiatives or providing outstanding service which has led to an improved quality of life for the people of this area.

Youth Champion sponsored by West College Scotland

Nominations are sought for young individuals who have excelled in any field or have made a significant contribution to their local community. The nominee must live in West Dunbartonshire and be under the age of 18 at the time of nomination.