FOR the fourth year running, Our Heroes will recognise unsung members of communities in North Staffordshire and South Cheshire in the following nine categories. Readers who want to nominate someone should contact the reporter on the telephone number at the end of each category, or nominate online by logging on to www.thisisthesentinel.co.uk/ourheroes

Beyond The Call of Duty

Whether it's a beat bobby clocking up an extraordinary arrest record, an off-duty firefighter risking his life to save a child from a burning building, a paramedic helping save a patient's life, or a supercool 999 call operator, The Sentinel wants to hear about all outstanding emergency service workers who go above and beyond the call of duty.

The category is also open to members of the Armed Forces.

Contact Aimi Moores on 01782 602525 or email aimi.moores@thesentinel.co.uk

Community Group of the Year

Made things happen in your neighbourhood? We want to hear from groups which have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for people in their community.

Whether you raised money for a new play area, organised a demonstration, or simply campaigned for safer roads – get in touch.

Contact George Oliver on 01782 602525 or email george.oliver@thesentinel.co.uk

Bright Young Thing (under-18s)

Do you know a Bright Young Thing who has shown outstanding endeavour, initiative, innovation or ability beyond their years?

We are looking for nominations for people under the age of 18 who lead good lives; work hard at school and college; and who want to succeed and be happy in the future.

They may put their loved ones and others first; be ambitious and have already taken the first steps towards achieving their dreams; or raise money for good causes and worthwhile projects in their own communities.

Contact Adam Blakeman on 01782 619830 or email adam.blakeman@thesentinel.co.uk

Good Neighbour

The Good Neighbour category celebrates the unsung heroes who have put themselves out to improve the lives of those around them.

Whether you know someone who has put in years of service to their community, or just a fellow resident who has helped out in a crisis, they could be eligible for recognition.

Contact Phil Corrigan on 01782 619830 email philip.corrigan@thesentinel.co.uk

School Star of the Year

Has a teacher at your child's school inspired them to produce good work or results?

Do they spend time out of school hours on activities that make a difference to the lives of pupils?

Teachers who fit the bill can be nominated for School Star of the Year.

This category is also open to anyone who works in a school environment and needs to be recognised for their outstanding contribution to improving school life.

Contact Kathie McInnes on 01782 602525 or email kathie.mcinnes@thesentinel.co.uk

Hero of the NHS

This category is open to people who work within the NHS who go beyond the call of duty to help patients in hospitals across the region.

To make a nomination, contact Dave Blackhurst on 01782 602525 or email dave.blackhurst@thesentinel.co.uk

Child of Courage

This category will recognise any youngster who has overcome adversity or shown outstanding bravery and maturity for their years.

They may have battled a life-threatening illness or undergone major surgery and come through fighting.

We are also seeking young carers who, as well as keeping up with their studies, shoulder the burden of caring for a parent, grandparent or sibling.

To nominate a Child of Courage, contact Hayley Harp on 01782 602525 or email hayley.harp@thesentinel.co.uk

Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year

This category will recognise the people who carry out a multitude of good work in our communities.

It can be a person who dedicates countless hours to raising money for charity, or whose volunteering work makes a difference to the lives of others.

Contact Ciara Hill on 01782 602525 or email ciara.hill@thesentinel.co.uk

Adult Carer of the Year

This can be any adult, paid or unpaid, who acts as a carer.

It might be a parent looking after a child with a disability, or a daughter or son looking after an older parent who can no longer do everything for themselves.

It could be a foster mum and dad who have always had time to welcome children into their home, or a brother or sister who look after their sibling.

It could also be an adult who has chosen to make caring their career, and work with the elderly or with children with special needs.

To nominate an adult carer, call Richard Ault on 01782 602525 or email richard.ault@thesentinel.co.uk