by Paul Behan

THE search is on to find Clydebank’s community champions for the 2017 Provost’s Civic Awards.

The annual awards – held in Clydebank Town Hall – celebrate residents who make a significant contribution to improving the area and the lives of people who live here.

The 2016 Citizen of the Year was announced as Jennifer McGregor from Dalmuir, who runs her own clothing line and online blog for those that require adapted clothing due to illness.

Local heroes can be nominated across five categories and claim the titles of Arts and Culture Champion, Sports Champion, Community/Voluntary Champion (Individual), Community/Voluntary Champion (team) and Youth Champion. From this shortlist Provost Douglas McAllister will select one overall winner who will be named West Dunbartonshire’s Citizen of the Year.

Provost McAllister said: “Now in its fourth year, the Provost’s Civic Awards are a great way to publicly recognise the selfless people in our communities who are doing fantastic work that often goes unrecognised.

"The Civic Awards are a great opportunity for me to acknowledge our brilliant local residents and are one of the most important responsibilities of my role as provost.”

“Every year the judging gets more difficult as we have so many worthy residents who deserve recognition for the great work they do.

“I’m delighted to launch the 2017 awards and would urge residents to come forward and nominate the people who make a difference every day to residents in West Dunbartonshire.”

The winners will be celebrated at an awards dinner next year, have their names added to the boards at Clydebank Town Hall, and be guests of the Provost at the Queen’s annual garden party at Holyrood.

Nominations can be made online at www.provostawards.com or by completing the nomination forms available from libraries, GP surgeries, leisure centres and one-stop shops.

The 2017 Provost Civic awards, in partnership with The Wheatley Group, has the following category sponsors; Caledonia Housing Association, CCG, Morgan Sindall, West College Scotland Award categories are: Arts and Culture Champion (sponsored by Caledonia Housing Association) Nominations are sought on behalf of individuals who live and operate in West Dunbartonshire.

The nominee can work in the arts in a voluntary or professional capacity.

Typically they would have undertaken imaginative work in any one of the arts, such as drama, dance, music literature, the visual arts and crafts including photography and/or demonstrated good practice in the organisation of arts projects and events.

Sports Champion: Nominations are invited For individuals who live in West Dunbartonshire and have achieved recognition for their performances at local, national or international sport or who have contributed to local sports development or coaching.

Community/Voluntary Champion (individual) (sponsored by CCG): Nominations are sought For individuals based in West Dunbartonshire who have made a positive contribution to the local community. Examples could be new or additional activities or initiatives or outstanding service, which has led to an improved quality of life for the people of this area.

Community/Voluntary Champions (team) (sponsored by Morgan Sindall): For community and voluntary groups based in West Dunbartonshire who have made a positive contribution to the local community.

Examples could be launching new activities or clubs in the area, or creating initiatives or providing outstanding service which has led to an improved quality of life for the people of this area.

Youth Champion (sponsored by West College Scotland): Nominations are sought For young individuals who have excelled in any field or have made a significant contribution to their local community.

The nominee must live in West Dunbartonshire and be under the age of 18 at the time of nomination.