LOCAL heroes were urged to ‘Reach for the Stars’ at the launch of the Inverclyde Community Awards.

Previous winners joined this year’s sponsors and TV presenter and Tele columnist Jean Johansson, front centre, to launch the 2016 event.

The annual awards initiative, which celebrates the achievements of volunteers, charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations across the region, is run by third sector body, CVS Inverclyde, in partnership with Trust Volunteering Inverclyde.

Ian Bruce, chief executive officer of CVS Inverclyde said: “Through Reach for the Stars we are joining with our sponsors to showcase the great work being achieved by this vibrant sector and local volunteers.

“We want to pay tribute to those who stand out amongst their peer group — those who excel in service provision and support for their community, while delivering a significant contribution to our local economy.”

The deadline for the competition is September 1 and there are 11 categories this year.

This includes new categories of volunteer team of the year, perfect partner and social media joining the likes of voluntary organisation, community champions and health and care titles.

Mr Bruce said: “It couldn’t be easier to enter or nominate an organisation or individual for this year’s awards. Forms can be downloaded from our website or picked up from our Ladyburn Business Centre office, with nominations either emailed or posted back to us by the deadline at the beginning of September.

“We would like to say a huge thank-you to our category sponsors and awards dinner supporters, as well as to the West College Scotland HND and HNC Creative Industries Television students who will be involved in filming the finalists for the awards ceremony.”

The awards ceremony and gala dinner hosted by Reach for the Stars ambassador Jean will be held in the Beacon Arts Centre on Wednesday November 9.

An independent judging panel will shortlist the final while the The Voluntary Organisation of the Year category will be opened up to a public vote.
Each winner will be presented with a crystal trophy and certificate by the category sponsor.

CVS Inverclyde’s sponsors include the Oak Mall Shopping Centre, Peel Ports — Clydeport, Inverclyde HSCP, River Clyde Homes, Trust Volunteering and CVS Inverclyde. Cardwell Garden Centre, Funworld Leisure Ltd, Greenock Morton Community Trust and West College Scotland are also supporting the awards.

Entry forms can be downloaded at www.cvsinverclyde.org.uk