THE county's unsung heroes will be crowned on Somerset Day - and you're being asked to nominate inspirational community champions, fundraisers or carers who work tirelessly behind the scenes.

Somerset Heroes will honour people who have worked selflessly for a good cause, overcome great odds or made sacrifices beyond the call of duty.

If you know someone who lives or works in the county and who you feel is deserving of an award, put them forward here.

There are four categories.

*The Inspiration to Others Award - a special person whose existence benefits others.

*The Young Person of the Year Award - someone under 18 who has achieved something special either by overcoming adversity in their own life or by assisting others.

*The Hero of the Hour Award - for a single, one-off event or act that made a significant difference, such as a quick-thinking response that saved a life or an initiative which helped an entire community.

*The Pet Hero Award - for an animal that should be celebrated for its bravery, dedication, resilience or care.

Short-listed individuals will be invited to the Somerset Day celebrations on Thursday, May 11 at Taunton Methodist Church, where winners will be announced.

A celebratory dinner is also planned to honour winners and dignitaries in June, with the panel of judges - Nigel Muers-Raby, of Pardoes Solicitors and chairman of Passion for Somerset, Richard Clothier of Wyke Farms and Passion for Somerset board director and a representative from Heart West Country.

Nigel Muers-Raby, chairman of Passion for Somerset, the organisation behind Somerset Day, said: "There are some really inspirational people in our community who go above and beyond, dedicating their own time and efforts to benefit the communities in which they live, and these awards will be all about honouring them.

"We want the public to share unique stories and tell us why those individuals deserve to win so we can give them the recognition they deserve.

“It might be someone who has risked their life to help save another person, or a friend who has helped someone through a low point or someone who has devoted incredible time and energy to charitable causes.

"We have also brought in our most heroic pet, as there is no doubt that animals enrich our lives, and there are some inspirational stories of how a pet has saved lives or acted with incredible bravery to help another person”.