Whitchurch mayor Councillor Tony Neville is urging people in the town to get their nominations in after voting opened for Citizen of the Year.

The award was launched in 2015 by Cllr Neville’s predecessor Mike McDonald, in conjunction with The Herald, and the council wants to identify the person who is most deserving of the award.

Clllr Neville believes whoever will win this year’s award – and turn on the Christmas lights on Saturday, November 25 – will be the latest in a line of special people in Whitchurch.

“We’re into our third year of voting for a Citizen of the Year now, and it’s a tough act to follow,” he said.

“Our previous winners, Betty Jukes and Gwyneth Rollins, have shown the high standard we’re looking for.

“Betty, before she passed away, dedicated her time to help the older generation in the town have somewhere where they could happily socialise and was a deserved first recipient of the award.

“In 2016, Gwyneth was voted our COTY and she continues to show why so many people believed she deserved the honour, with her tireless campaigning and fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support.

“So we’re asking you to put pen to paper and nominate someone you think deserves this award.”

Nominations opened last Monday and close on Friday, November 17. The council is looking for people who are local fundraisers, work in the charity sector or go above and beyond what is necessary to help other people.

Nominating is easy – pick up a form from the community hub desk in the Civic Centre or send an email entitled Citizen of the Year 2017 to info@whitchurchcouncil.uk detailing why you think the person should win, and include contact details for them.

The winner must be free on November 25.