BBC Surrey and Sussex Make a Difference Awards open for nominations

BBC Radio Surrey and BBC Radio Sussex have opened nominations for the Make a Difference awards, which recognise community contributions across eight categories; nominations close at 17:00 BST on 31 March.

The Make a Difference awards run by BBC Radio Surrey and BBC Radio Sussex have opened for nominations. The awards celebrate people and groups who work to improve life in their local communities. There are eight categories covering volunteering, young people, neighbours, sport and activity, animals, the environment, fundraising and community groups. Finalists will be invited to a special ceremony where winners will be announced. Key details: - Nominations are open for the Make a Difference awards presented by BBC Radio Surrey and BBC Radio Sussex. - The eight categories are Volunteer, Young Hero, Great Neighbour, Active, Animal, Environmental, Fundraiser, and the Community Group Award (supported by BBC TV show Morning Live). - Nominations are hosted on the Make a Difference site, with a closing time of 17:00 BST on 31 March. - Finalists will be invited to a special ceremony where the winners will be revealed. - Last year’s winners mentioned in the article include John McCutchan, who won the fundraiser award after running the Arlington Bluebell Walk that raised more than £1 million, and Terri Collins, who won the volunteer award for work including launching The Counselling Partnership. Summary: The awards aim to recognise a range of local contributions, from individual volunteers to community groups and environmental work. The next step is the nomination period, after which finalists will be invited to a ceremony where winners will be announced; further details on the shortlist and ceremony were not stated in the article.