THE countdown to the 2019 Civic Pride Awards is underway – with the nomination process now officially open.

Provost Ian Clarkson says he’s already looking forward to hearing the inspiring stories and amazing achievements of this year’s entrants.

Since they were introduced in 2011, the awards have become a much-loved fixture on the local calendar.

Over the years, we’ve celebrated dozens of brilliant groups and individuals and given them a night they and their family and friends will never forget.

But the biggest winners have been the local charities - with over £155,000 raised for worthy causes in the last eight years.

The Ayrshire Hospice and Cash for Kids are again the Provost’s chosen charities.

The latest event will be held at the Portal, Irvine on Friday, March 15

Provost Clarkson said: “It has come around really quickly but, frankly, I can’t wait.

“Being North Ayrshire’s Provost is an absolute honour, every day I get to meet some wonderful, inspiring groups and people. I think we all know somebody who is always thinking of others and putting their communities first.

“The Civic Pride Awards allows us to recognise these people and to properly say a big ‘thank you’.

“This will be my third Civic Pride awards as Provost and I’m hoping this year is the biggest and best yet. Let’s get more nominations than ever before and make sure this is another night that North Ayrshire comes together to celebrate some truly remarkable people.”

Over the coming weeks members of the public will be asked to nominate the inspirational individuals and groups they believe are deserving of one of the five awards.

The finalists will then be chosen by the Provost’s judging panel and invited to the exclusive charity dinner at The Portal in Irvine.

You can nominate your Civic Pride hero now - the nomination process is open and members of the public can put forward their local champions, active community groups, considerate young citizens, aspiring sports athletes, talented artists and dedicated volunteers for one or more of the following awards:

• North Ayrshire Community Group Award. This will go to a voluntary group based in North Ayrshire which has made a positive contribution and promoted or demonstrated civic pride in the community

• North Ayrshire Citizen of the Year Award. This will go to a person residing in North Ayrshire who has made a positive contribution and promoted or demonstrated civic pride in his/her community

• North Ayrshire Young Citizen of the Year (Under 25 years). This will go to a young person residing in North Ayrshire who has made a positive contribution and promoted or demonstrated civic pride in his/her community

• North Ayrshire Arts and Culture Award. This will go to the person or group, based in North Ayrshire, who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of arts and culture, either through artistic endeavour or by encouraging and supporting others. Individuals or groups can be entered

• North Ayrshire Sports Award. This will go to the person or group, based in North Ayrshire, who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of sport, either through sporting achievements or by encouraging and supporting others. Individuals or groups can be entered.

You can nominate online at www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/provostscivicprideawards

Local businesses and organisations who wish to book a table or donate a prize for the raffle – or lend their support in any other way – should contact the Council’s Corporate Communications Team on 01294 324137.