DEDICATED volunteers who work hard to serve their community are being sought for an awards ceremony recognising the role they play locally.

Keighley and Ilkley Voluntary and Community Action (KIVCA) has teamed up with Ilkley Parish Council to launch a new awards scheme, showcasing the hard work put in by volunteers from across the Ilkley area.

Ilkley & District Community Volunteer Awards 2015 will be presented in a ceremony on March 18, and local organisations are asked to have their nominations in by February 25. There will be three classes of award: Community Involvement (25 and over), Community Involvement (24 and under), and Encouraging Sporting Activity.

KIVCA’s Ilkley office manager, Mary Hamilton, said: “We are fortunate that so many people give so much unpaid time to improve the quality of life of others throughout the district.

“It is important to recognise their contribution to community life. We are asking voluntary groups, councillors and members of the public to think about people who have gone the extra mile to make life better for those around them.”

She added: “Their commitment and enthusiasm helps to improve the quality of life of people throughout the Ilkley area, and they should receive the recognition they deserve.”

The Community Involvement awards are for people who give time and effort for the benefit of others and who have helped to improve amenities and resources, while the Encouraging Sporting Activity awards recognise individuals or groups that have given unpaid time to coach or organise sporting events or activities.

Nominations are welcomed from any member of the community or voluntary organisations, and those making the nominations can be either volunteers or paid workers. KIVCA has organised other awards schemes, recognising the contributions of many of the people who help provide much-needed services in Wharfedale.

Nomination forms are from Mary Hamilton at KIVCA’s Ilkley office, Riddings Hall, Riddings Road, Ilkley LS29 9LU. E-mail ilkley@kivca.org.uk, telephone 01943 603348 or visit kivca.org.uk.