Residents called to nominate Manchester heroes

Former Manchester City captain Paul Lake is helping launch a contest to let the world know about Manchester’s unsung heroes.

Former Manchester City captain Paul Lake is helping launch a contest to let the world know about Manchester's unsung heroes.

Manchester City Council is launching the 2010 Be Proud Awards, giving people the opportunity to nominate members of their community who deserve an official thank-you.

Paul, now a City In The Community Ambassador, will kick off the awards at the City Of Manchester Stadium on Monday 13 September with help from June Kelly, who won last year's Pride Of Manchester award - selected as the best of the best - for her work coaching the Abraham Moss Warriors football team.

There are nine award categories, including the introduction of this year's Contribution to the Community (Business) award, recognising companies that have introduced schemes, initiatives or policies that have made a positive impact to their communities.

The other categories are:

Manchester's Got Talent
Good Neighbour
Contribution to the Environment (Group or Individual)
Contribution to the Community (Group or Individual)
Respect Award
Sporting Achievement
Young Citizen of the Year
Citizen of the Year

All finalists will be invited to a glittering awards ceremony at Manchester Town Hall where the winners will be announced, and presented with a cash prize and trophy.

Anyone who wants to make a nomination should call 0161 953 2733 for an application form or visit http://www.beproudlovemanchester.com/.

Former winner June Kelly said: "Winning the prize last year was a real boost and helped me realise the work I'd done had helped make a difference. I would like to encourage people to nominate anyone they know who's doing something to make the community around them a better place."

Councillor Jim Battle, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said: "There are individuals, groups and businesses all over the city who are working hard, day in day out, to make life better for people around them.

"This is a chance for residents to give these people the recognition they deserve."

The Be Proud awards are part of the year-long Proud Of programme, which promotes the positive aspects of living in Manchester's neighbourhoods, encourages sustainability and rewards good citizenship.

Throughout the year, various activities are organised which help residents look after themselves, care for their neighbours and help to ensure that communities provide a bright future for the next generation.

It also encourages communities, resident groups, schools, businesses and other organisations to arrange their own events and activities by giving them the support they need.