Ed Thomas FINAL appeals are going out for people to put forward heroes of their communities. The Ham&High and Camden Council have received numerous no-minations for this year s Epic awards – Exceptional People In Camden. The awards aim to recognise the wo

Ed Thomas

FINAL appeals are going out for people to put forward heroes of their communities.

The Ham&High and Camden Council have received numerous no-minations for this year's Epic awards - Exceptional People In Camden.

The awards aim to recognise the work of people of all ages and backgrounds who have voluntarily made a difference to people's lives.

"Plans for this year's awards are going well and nominations are coming in all the time, but we know there are more Camden heroes out there so we are still encouraging everyone to get nominating," said a council spokeswoman.

"We are encouraging everyone to send in a nomination form or fill one out online."

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

Anyone who lives or works in the borough is eligible to vote for their hero. There are eight categories for nominations: Exceptional Young Person, Exceptional Work with Young People, Exceptional Contribution to the Local Environment, Exceptional Contribution to Sport and Leisure, Exceptional Contribution to the Arts and Culture, Exceptional Contribu-tion to Community Safety, Except-ional Carer, and Exceptional Older Person.

Nye Roose-McClew, 19, from Gospel Oak, is a past winner who is now travelling around South America.

Even though she is 5,000 miles aw-ay, she has recorded a message of support for the EPIC awards and broadcast it on YouTube. It can be viewed by visiting www.camden.gov. uk/ccm/navigation/community-and-living/ and clicking on the EPICs logo.

"I would definitely encourage residents to nominate their own Camden hero," she said. "This is a great opportunity for you to show your appreciation for those around you who give up their time to improve life in Camden and give them the recognition they deserve. Get nominating."

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, which is behind the awards, set them up three years ago to recognise the fact that Camden is a great place to live, work and visit - because of the everyday people who live here.

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 this year.

ed.thomas@hamhigh.co.uk