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Do you know a special person in Shropshire who goes beyond the call of duty to help others? The Shropshire Star thinks they deserve a special thank you. A Great Big Thank You.

Today we launch our search for the special people who make Shropshire and Mid Wales such a wonderful place to live. And we’re looking for your help.

We are on the hunt for people who selflessly give up their time for the good of others, so we can give them the recognition they deserve but don’t always get.

We want to honour the unsung heroes of Shropshire and Mid Wales by holding a memorable awards ceremony for them to show them how much they are valued.

The Shropshire Star, working with our sponsor partners, will shine a spotlight on the people and organisations that bind our community together.

We want to hear all about the volunteers, the good neighbours, the helping hands and those who step up when they are needed – the people who make a positive difference to where you live and work.

It could be a member of your family, a work colleague, a community volunteer, someone who helps a local team or club, or just someone who makes a special difference to local life.

As a newspaper which prides itself on being at the centre of life in this wonderful county we believe it is important to honour those who do the area proud through leading by example.

In more than half a century chronicling events in the county, we have covered countless stories of people who have done remarkable things.

This is the second year that we have run the Great Big Thank You Awards.

Last year eight awards were presented, ranging from 12-year-old McKenzie Smith who refused to let cerebral palsy prevent him from indulging in his love of sport to pub landlords Edd and Sue Lowe, who have raised £125,000 for forces charities.

This year’s scheme promises to be bigger and brighter, with 11 awards categories recognising people who do good from across the spectrum. We are looking for volunteers who selflessly give up their time for the good of the community, and a young star who has achieved great things.

There is an award for heroes who have shown outstanding bravery, and one for those who work to improve the environment.

We are also looking to honour carers who show special devotion to those they look after, and community champions who have made a special effort to improve the area in which they live.

Farming plays a hugely important part of life here in Shropshire and Mid Wales, and this year we are looking for people who have made a special contribution in this area. We also recognise the important role that grandparents, teachers and good neighbours can play, and we would like to hear about those who have done something special.

Whatever they do, we want to hear about them from you.

Tell us why this person or group is so special and nominate them for one of the Shropshire Star’s prestigious Great Big Thank You Awards – which will bring them the recognition they deserve. We are asking readers to nominate individuals for each category before our deadline of May 18.

A panel of judges will then choose the finalists, with the winners being chosen by our readers in a public vote.

The winners will then be invited, along with a guest, to an awards afternoon at Hadley Park House Hotel on October 10.

They will be joined by the campaign sponsors to enjoy afternoon tea before they are presented with their prizes and trophies, which have been designed by the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry.

Help us to give them the thanks they deserve. Go to the website here to make a nomination: https://www.starthankyou.shropshirestar.co.uk/