Nominations are under way for the 2009 Citizens of Honour and Young Person of the Year awards. The closing date for nominations for outstanding acts of bravery and voluntary services which benefits the local community is Friday 30 January. Nominations can be made on-line at www.fareham.gov.uk/citizenawards; or nomination forms can be obtained by calling our customer service team on 01329 236100; by emailing: customerservices@fareham.gov.uk or from the main reception at the Civic offices, local community centres and other community facilities.

Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Conservative Councillor Seán Woodward, said: "We would like to receive your nominations for those who have shown selfless acts of bravery or who give their time to voluntary services. Members of the community, of all ages, often go unnoticed for their work and Fareham Borough Council would like to give these worthy nominees the recognition they deserve."

There are three different categories of nomination are as follows:

Citizen of Honour (18 years plus)

This category is awarded in recognition of community and voluntary service which benefits the local community. Award winners could include those who have shown a long-term commitment to volunteering with a local charity or voluntary group whose aim is to improve the quality of life for local residents.

Young Citizen of the Year (4-8 years)

This award celebrates an outstanding act of bravery, a regular selfless act for others, or for overcoming and learning to adapt to a registered disability. Young people who are nominated for this award may be making a positive endeavour to take part in community or voluntary activities, or regularly providing care or support to a relative or friend.

Young Citizen of the Year (9-18 years)

Many young people already offer their time voluntarily to help with local community initiatives and groups. This award is in recognition of community and voluntary service which benefits the local community. Like the Citizen of Honour Award young people may be volunteering with a local charity or voluntary group, or providing on-going care to an individual. We would like to encourage nominations both from group leaders and other young people who feel that their peers deserve recognition.