NOMINATIONS are now open for awards aimed at recognising the tireless work of volunteers throughout the New Forest.

Volunteer bureau Community First, New Forest is staging the awards ceremony to celebrate the contribution made by hundreds of men and women across the community.

Now the Ringwood-based organisation is encouraging voluntary organisations to nominate people they believe deserve a certificate.

The service has already started preparations for the ceremony to be held on June 7, 2005, during National Volunteers' Week.

The number of presentations made on the night is restricted to two per voluntary group or organisation.

A spokesman for Community First, New Forest said: "We suggest voluntary organisations take this opportunity to say a really big thank you to their volunteers in a formal yet friendly way.

"This is a special day, in a special week, in a special year recognising and celebrating the wonderful work volunteers do and we want them to really enjoy it.

"This high-profile event is an ideal opportunity to recognise and reward the volunteers who work tirelessly in our community.

"We believe if volunteers have been nominated they have contributed a great deal to their local community, and we welcome them to the presentation."

This year has been dedicated as the Year of the Volunteer, with the aim of raising the profile of the work done by volunteers and to thank them for their time and commitment.

To nominate a volunteer to receive a certificate, contact Jackie, the Volunteer Bureau manager, for a nomination pack at Community First, New Forest, Public Offices, 65 Christchurch Road, Ringwood, BH24 1DH, or call 01425 482773.

The closing date for nominations is May 16, but applications should be submitted as soon as possible because places fill up very quickly.