THE search is on to find West Dunbartonshire’s community champions for the 2018 Provost’s Civic Awards.

The awards, in partnership with the Wheatley Group, 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 told the Reporter: “The Provost’s Civic Awards are a great way to publicly 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 publicly 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.

As of this week, nominations can be made online at www.provostawards.com or by completing the nomination forms available from Council buildings including libraries, GP surgeries, leisure centres and one stop shops.