DO you know an achiever in your community?Mid Suffolk District Council is on the lookout for community achievers, people who willingly give up their time to make their village or town abetter place to live.

DO you know an achiever in your community?

Mid Suffolk District Council is on the lookout for community achievers, people who willingly give up their time to make their village or town a better place to live.

The council is seeking candidates for their annual Community Achiever Awards (2002/2003), and is asking anybody who knows of someone who has made a significant contribution to their community, to reward them by nominating him or her.

"Perhaps it's someone who has organised a charity event, such as a jumble sale," suggests award organiser, Christine Jackson, "or maybe someone who keeps the village green in tip-top condition? It could be a friendly neighbour who pops in to do a spot of gardening or who picks up the shopping from time to time," she says.

Vivienne Hoy, chairman of the council, said: "Literally hundreds of people throughout Mid Suffolk selflessly devote their valuable time and effort into making their communities safer, more accessible, more interesting and altogether better places to be. The award ceremony offers these all-to-often unsung heroes a collective vote of thanks and recognition."

Ms Jackson, added: "We're really keen to encourage younger people to enter this year, so we can acknowledge and celebrate the valuable role they play in village and town life."

Nominees can be entered in one of two categories: Under 18s and Over 18s. All nominees must live in Mid Suffolk and demonstrate they have given up their time voluntarily and have not received payment for their work.

Nomination forms are available by telephoning Christine Jackson, Social Policy Manager, on 01449 727114 or by e-mailing her at: christine.jack son@midsuffolk.gov.uk

Closing date for entries is January 31, 2003. The award ceremony will be in March at the Cedars Hotel, Stowmarket.