People have started to nominate their heroes in the first ever Ely Local Hero Awards.

With two weeks to go before nominations close there is still plenty of time to get nominating your hero.

There is nothing quite like a bit of recognition for a job well done, or for doing something for others in the spirit of the community.

And that is what the Ely Hero Awards are all about - recognising those in our community who go that extra mile or who have achieved success, overcome adversity or done something special.

The awards run by MetroRod (Cambridge) in conjunction with the Ely Standard aim to shine a light on the area’s unsung heroes.

There are 10 categories to choose from but don’t be afraid to nominate someone for more than one. A shortlist of three will be drawn up for each category and the judging panel will choose from that list.

All finalists will be invited to attend the presentation cerermony at The Maltings on June 19 when the winners, including the overall Ely Hero Award, will be announced.

Categories are: Smiliest Server sponsored by the Ely Standard; Best Parent sponsored by Red Shoes Accounting; Caring Champion sponsored by the CHS Group; Most Amazing Professional sponsored by Grovemere; Neighbour of the Year sponsored by Elyi Magazine; Community Champion sponsored by Ward Gethin Archer; Best Teacher Award sponsored Thorlabs; Child of Achievement sponsored by Puggles and Seahorse Swim Schools; Sporting Hero sponsored by Life Fitness; The Ely Hero Award sponsored by MetroRod.

For more on the category criteria visit: http://elyheroawards.org.uk/

Among the Smiliest Server nominees so far:

Shelley Davies-Bloss: She has been nominted by Nicola Tuck who says “Shelley runs the post office at Witchford and I am nominating her on behalf of the staff here at Grovemere who regularly use the post office for all our banking. When I mentioned the categories in the office she was the first person on everyone’s lips. She is always friendly and goes above and beyond to assist us with any problems we have.

She is even still smiling and happy to help when the queue is out of the door it doesn’t fluster her! The village post office is a brilliant community service for both the residents and the local businesses and she is a good front of house for it. Shelley organises the annual scarecrow event which is going from strength to strength. We think she is a great candidate for the smiliest server award.”

Among the Most Amazing Professional nominees so far:

Sule Salim, Wendy Halls and Shellie Jackson: They were nominated by Fiona Hefferan who says “I am nominating my team of amazing support officers at Ely young people’s project. I Have watched them over the last three years go above and beyond what is required of them to build both positive relationships and ensure brilliant outcomes for the young people of Ely that they work with. They are sincere, hardworking and fun. They have created a safe, encouraging and supportive environment where young people thrive. They tirelessly created opportunities for achievement but also have help create some really happy memories for young people who have often brought many unhappy memories with them. They cook with the young people, they clean with the young people, play pool, do Art, create and encourage making good use of time but it’s not all fun and games and sweetness and light. My team have supported young people to cope with heart break, mental health issues, domestic Violence, health issues, safeguarding issues, family break down, unemployment and poverty and bereavement. As well as the everyday grey of form filling, appointment attending, endless phone calls to Other agencies, college inquiries, Meetings and teaching the skills to learning to live independently. They truly care about the futures of some of the most vulnerable young people in Ely and work very hard to improve things for them. They truly make my heart glad and do us all very proud.”