For some it will have been a year to remember, one that sticks in the mind because of a single event. For others, it will have been ‘business as usual’.

But whether the last 12 months is significant to you or someone you know for an act of bravery, for a project delivered, for a new chapter in their life or for simply carrying on the day to day task of fundraising or caring for a friend or family member, somewhere in there could lie a Local Hero.

The Gazette and Uxbridge College is proud to announce nominations for our Local Heroes Awards of 2014 are now open.

Over the next few weeks, we want to hear from you about someone you know who has made a real difference in our community.

That person might be a carer, quietly getting on with the job of looking after a friend, relative or neighbour in need.

They might be a dedicated fundraiser, selflessly working to ensure a local good cause gets the money and support it needs.

Or they could be someone who has overcome adversity and battled back against the odds or carried out a single act of courage that you think is worthy of recognition.

And perhaps they are the ‘roll your sleeves up’ type, who organises community events and helps bring people together, always the first to volunteer.

Whoever they are, the chances are they will be doing it totally unrecognised, a real ‘unsung hero’. That is where we come in.

On June 5, at a gala reception and awards ceremony, the Gazette and Uxbridge College will honour our Local Heroes of 2014.

This year, we have made a few changes to the nomination format, to make it even easier for you to put forward your choices for the recognition they deserve.

We now invite nominations in just two overall categories – adult, and 18 and under – but with the categories of previous years as your guideline.

So think of Carers, of Courageous Citizens, of Community Heroes and Fabulous Fundraisers, plus Young People who have really made a difference, achieved something spectacular, overcome tough situations or who simply deserve a pat on the back.

These will be our heroes, and we will eventually face the tough task of selecting 10 of them for our £50 prizes.

Then from our shortlist we will choose five Superheroes, those who have gone that extra mile and who the judges feel deserve special recognition, and a £200 cash prize and trophy to say ‘well done’.

Finally, we will select our Superhero Of Hillingdon, the one person who stands out above all the others (and, as we are told every year by the judges, one of the toughest decisions they have to make). That person will receive an additional £500 prize and the Superhero trophy.

Certificates for ‘Highly Commended’ nominees will also be awarded at the judges’ discretion.

So now it is up to you. You might run a club or society or youth group, be a member of a social or carer network, a teacher, a police officer, work in the NHS or charity sector.

Or perhaps you just know someone who knows someone who knows a worthy candidate, quietly beavering away – a true hero.

Start nominating by filling in the form below: