DO you know a woman who makes a difference? Is there a friend or a family member who goes beyond the call of duty and who should be recognised for their efforts?

To mark International Woman's Day on March 8, Southampton City Council will be honouring women of achievement and recognising the invaluable contributions they are making to improve and sustain the communities in which they live and work.

British body-building champion and number two in the world Marina Cornwall will present the awards - and she is proud to be involved in the first ever Women Who Make a Difference ceremony.

She has overcome her own personal battles to reach the top of her sport and has suffered setbacks along the way.

"I damaged my shoulder and ripped the tendon from the bone. Doctors told me it was the end of my career and I was devastated.

"But I didn't give up. I was determined to prove them wrong and now I am number two in the world," said Marina, 50, from Chandler's Ford.

Along the way she has coped with a marriage breakdown and juggled the responsibilities of running her own business with training to keep in shape, and caring for her father when he was taken ill.

"It's amazing what you can do if you are determined. You can get through anything and I hope my story will inspire other women to hold on to their dream," she said.

"I'm really proud to be asked to present these awards - it's very flattering."

The categories for the WOMAN Awards are as follows:

TACKLING DEPRIVATION:

Do you know a woman who is involved with community groups parenting groups, has overcome personal adversity, supported people and their families, or is involved in voluntary work, fostering or adopting or has established a support group.

If there is a woman in your community who has inspired you by tackling deprivation and inequalities please put her name forward.

PROMOTING LEISURE AND LIFELONG LEARNING:

Do you know a woman who has set up a group, community activity, play group or organised women's sport events or other activities?

IMPROVING COMMUNITY SAFETY:

Is there a woman who has campaigned for safety features in your area who has made a difference?

IMPROVING THE STREETS OF SOUTHAMPTON:

Do you know a lollipop lady who helps your children get to school safely who should be honoured?

PROMOTING INDEPENDENT LIVING:

Do you know a woman who has represented women in the community or raised funds for women's groups or for women's activities?

ECONOMY:

Do you know a local business woman who has succeeded against the odds?

Councillor Ann Milton explained: "This Awards Ceremony now offers an opportunity to recognise women's achievements and think about what impact women have had on their local community or on their own lives.

"This award aims to celebrate women's achievements, however large or small, and capture the interest of women from across the city and recognise the diverse activities that women are involved in, most of which they do whilst juggling other priorities."

The Women Who Make a Difference Award recognises the invaluable contributions women are making to improving the communities in which they live and work.

Whether it is involvement with community groups, overcoming personal adversity, supporting people and their families, voluntary work, involvement with fostering or adopting, even establishing a support group, if there is a woman in your community who has inspired you or been a role model, put her name forward for this award.

Nominations are being taken until Friday, February 25. The award ceremony will be held on Tuesday, March 8 in the Mayor's Parlour at the Civic Centre.

Further information and nomination forms are available from public relations officer, Sarah O'Reilly on 023 8083 2001 or e-mail sarah.o'reilly@southampton.gov.uk