VOLUNTEERS are at the heart of many communities, helping to make sure facilities and services are maintained and improved, and that residents can enjoy a good quality of life.

The rural communities across Northumberland are no different, with armies of civic-minded folk helping to do their bit.

An annual celebration of all that is good about community environmental work in Northumberland helps to recognise an reward those who go the extra mile.

Entries are now have now open for the LOVE Northumberland Awards 2019; the event staged by Northumberland County Council to mark a range of projects and initiatives which improve local areas or neighbourhoods for the benefit of residents.

Coun. Glen Sanderson, the council’s cabinet member for the environment and local services at Northumberland County Council, said: “Each year these awards celebrate the great work of schools and community groups, as well as individual volunteers, whose hard work showcases our great county.

“Judges are always extremely impressed with the high calibre of each and every one of the nominees and are delighted to read about the excellent community projects in Northumberland.

“If you have an environmental story to tell, I would encourage you to get in touch and tell us about it by making an application for an award.”

Last year, schools and community groups from across Tynedale were singled out for praise, including St Mary’s First School in Hexham. The school was highly commended for its enterprising gardening project.

The school’s allotment, bursting with home-grown produce, and outdoor teaching area created to further enhance the curriculum for pupils, caught the eye of the judges.

Initiatives which supported recycling, youth work and community improvement were also recognised with representatives of all shortlisted entries invited to the event at the Alnwick Garden, hosted by BBC TV presenter Carol Malia.

This year, the Alnwick Garden will host the event again in September, with the Duchess of Northumberland on hand to congratulate the worthy winners.

The closing date for entries across a total of seven categories is Friday, August 2.

If you want to enter, or know someone who should, go to www.northumberland.gov.uk/love to find out more details and download an application form.