“IT is now time for community heroes in Hampshire to be recognised for their efforts.”

That is the message from Ian Taylor, the head of marketing for Southampton-based air carrier Flybe, who is urging people who are the jewels in the county s crown to put themselves or others forward for a Daily Echo-backed awards scheme.

Flybe Local Heroes Awards have come to Southampton for the first time and Mr Taylor hopes to find the worthiest heroes of the region to give them £21,000 in bursaries.

He said: “So many people and organisations who do so much good work do not get the support or profile they deserve and I’m delighted that these awards can help us to recognise them.”

He is searching for three individuals, groups or organisations who make a real difference to the community.

The three categories, which will be judged by Mr Taylor, football legend Matt Le Tissier and Daily Echo editor Ian Murray, are: Flybe Sport in the Community, Flybe Charity in the Community and Flybe Education in the Community.

The successful final nominee in each category will get a bursary from Flybe worth £7,000 made up of £3,000 in cash and a travel bursary of £4,000 to be used on the Flybe service network.

Click HERE full details of how to qualify for each of the categories.