A Street man who has dedicated his life to helping those less fortunate than himself is the first person to be nominated in the Pride of Central Somerset Awards.

We have teamed up with Alex Maine to launch this year's Pride of Central Somerset Awards and we want you to help nominate who should be chosen for this special recognition.

The Pride of Central Somerset – previously known as the Somerset County Awards – has been running for several years and has honoured people including Cllr Alan Gloak for his community work, Mike Mitchell from the Avalon Cardiac Support Group and Kate Lee for her support and fundraising for the Natasha Dines Trust.

"It's important that we recognise what local people are doing," said Mr Maine, who is arranging the event in conjunction with the Central Somerset Gazette.

"It makes a chance to look at the positive nature of people in the community, rather than dwelling on the negatives that surround us."

Anyone can make a nomination by making an online nomination at http://www.alexmaine .com before December 31.

Please complete the form giving as much information as possible about your nominee.

Try to explain what their actual contribution in an area has been, as opposed to just listing jobs or posts held, although you may use additional resources by linking us to articles and videos on the web that will help us with the review of your nomination.

"Nominations have started to come in online, now we are also offering local people the chance to put forward someone who has done something for you or the community by post," said Philip Welch, editor of the Gazette.

All nominations will be treated in the strictest confidence, with the award ceremony being held in Glastonbury Town Hall on March 6, 2009.