A plea has been made for people to nominate the unsung heroes in Nuneaton and Bedworth whose efforts help to make lives better. Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has launched the Borough Award of Merit to make sure that recognition is finally given to those who put so much effort into the community.

Over the past year, the Town Hall has given out a number of civic honours, including making Om Gurung, MBE, the first ever Gurkha to be made a freeman of the borough and Jean Whittaker, who became the first woman to gain the honour since the council was formed.

There are also plans to recognise the efforts of others, from Star Wars director Gareth Edwards to Frank Parker of the famed town butchers. But the council says it also wants to celebrate the efforts of those in the community who have never been in the spotlight.

Councillor Sam Croft, cabinet member for finance and corporate affairs, said: “Restoring civic pride in Nuneaton and Bedworth has been at the heart of our mission. One of the ways we have tried to do this has been to revive the tradition of honouring citizens who have made outstanding contributions to life in our borough.

“These unsung heroes work, help and volunteer in their communities and neighbourhoods every day, without asking for thanks, often without receiving any recognition at all. We mean to change that.

“So, I’d like to appeal to the public, if you know somebody who has helped their community and deserves to be commended, then let us know through our online form for nominations. It’s time that the champions in our communities got the recognition they deserve.”