UNSUNG community heroes who make Southampton a better place to live will be recognised in prestigious new city awards.

Southampton residents are now being given the chance to nominate someone deserving of a I Am Southampton Award.

The Daily Echo backed awards will recognise the exceptional people whose determination to make a difference has helped to make Southampton a better place to live.

Gongs will be handed out in the following four categories:

•The good neighbour:

Everybody needs good neighbours. The I Am Southampton good neighbour will be someone who goes out of their way to improve their community, checks on elderly residents or is maybe just someone who is always ready to help others.

•The young carer:

The award will recognise special youngsters who take responsibility for looking after a parent or other member of the family or are part of a home where the adults in the house may not be capable of doing so.

•The healthy icon:

Shaping the lives of city’s residents, Southampton’s healthy icon will actively promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and inspire others to change their ways.

•The foster carer:

Fostering a young person is a big responsibility but a hugely rewarding one. The real difference foster parents make to the lives of young people in the city will be recognised with an award.

Councillor Phil Williams, Cabinet member for local services and community safety, said: “These awards are just one way that we can acknowledge the incredible contribution that these remarkable people make to the city.

“I would encourage residents to nominate someone who deserves to be recognised for their outstanding achievements. All the nominees are remarkable people and the winners of each of the four categories of awards will represent the true heroes of our communities.” To nominate someone you’ll need to say what their outstanding contribution is in 100-200 words, as well as their name, connection to you and the category you are nominating them for.

The deadline for submissions is December 1. Nominees must live in Southampton.

An award ceremony will be held in the Mayor’s Parlour at Southampton Civic Centre on December 14 from 6 to 8pm.

•How to nominate someone:

Nominations can be sent by email to iamsoton@southamp ton.gov.uk or by mail to I am Southampton Awards, Communications, Southampton City Council Civic Centre, Southampton, SO14 7LY.