The 2024 Ely Hero Awards team are searching for nominations of individuals or groups in the community who deserve recognition.

There are 10 categories in which people can make a nomination.

Nominations are all shortlisted by a judging panel who will meet with nominees and make their decisions.

Finalists will be invited to an award ceremony later in the year where the winners of each category will be crowned. 

RECOMMENDED READING: Ely Hero Awards 2024 launch event at Poets House Hotel

Naomi Sherwood, one of the organisers, said: "The judging panel is ready and waiting for nominations for the amazing individuals in and around Ely up to a 10 mile radius.

"If you know a person who goes above and beyond either in a professional field or on a personal level you can nominate them at www.elyheroawards.org.uk.

"You also can make a paper nomination via the various postal boxes placed in community hubs around Ely and the villages.

"These include at libraries, East Cambs District Council offices, Prosper Cafe in Fresh, Ely City Toy Department and Specsavers."

The categories are: 

  1. The Janet Eisold Smiliest Server Award
  2. Colleague of the Year
  3. Caring Companion
  4. Most Amazing Professional
  5. Neighbour of the Year
  6. Best Teacher
  7. Child of Achievement incorporating The Jay Davison Awards
  8. The Mike Rouse Community Champion Awards
  9. Sporting Hero
  10. The Ely Hero Award

The 2024 awards were launched at an event, which was sponsored by Poets House Hotel and held within its writing room on April 15.

Business sponsors, judges and winners of last year’s awards gathered for a presentation to learn of the new and exciting aspects of this year’s event.

Mrs Sue Freestone, His Majesty’s Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, was the special guest of the evening and spoke to the guests about the support given to Ely Hero Awards by the Lieutenancy Office.