HEROES of the community in Camden are being asked to step forward for a major awards scheme

Ed Thomas

HEROES of the community in Camden are being asked to step forward for a major awards scheme.

This year's Epics (Exceptional People In Camden) have been launched this week, and nominations are being sought for people of all ages and backgrounds who have voluntarily made a difference to people's lives.

Whether someone you know has gone out of their way for the elderly, provided youth activities or cleaned up the environment, Camden Council and its partners here at the Ham&High want to hear about them.

"The Epics are a brilliant scheme as they recognise the selfless work that people in Camden do," said 2006 winner Nye Roose-McClew.

"There are too many unsung heroes who have such a positive presence in their community and deserve to be celebrated. The Epics do exactly this, so get nominating."

Anyone who lives or works in the borough is eligible to vote for their hero in the eight categories.

The closing date for nominations is April 4 and top prizes are up for grabs both for those who win and for nominators.

A trip to Paris on the Eurostar will be handed to the overall winner, and everyone who submits a nomination will be entered into a draw for £200 worth of shopping vouchers.

Camden Council set up the awards three years ago to recognise that Camden is made a great place to live, work and visit by the everyday people who live here. It is those 'heroes' it wants to celebrate.

A glitzy awards ceremony at Koko in Camden Town will take place in June to announce the winners, who will be picked by a public vote and a final judging panel.

Last year, actor and comedian Griff Rhys Jones announced the results, and another celebrity is being lined up for the ceremony this year.

Ham&High series editor Geoff Martin said: "We're delighted at the Ham&High to be involved in these excellent awards again. I sat on the judging panel last year and was really impressed by the calibre and the range of the nominations.

"All the winners and many of the people who didn't win have fantastic stories to tell.

"As newspaper journalists we are well aware that there are many unsung heroes working in every part of the borough and it's great to be able to support an event that publicly acknowledges the work they do.''

Nomination forms are available at your local leisure centre, library or council office or at the Ham&High offices in Swiss Cottage.

Alternatively, log onto www.hamhigh.co.uk or www.camden.gov.uk/epics.

ed.thomas@hamhigh.co.uk