Over the past six months, individuals and groups in villages and towns across south-west Surrey have been providing invaluable support to the community.

And now MP Jeremy Hunt wants to recognise those making a difference.

Launched in conjunction with the Herald, the Community Heroes scheme will acknowledge and shine a spotlight on those going above and beyond during the pandemic, whether it be supporting their neighbours, fundraising or helping the community.

Mr Hunt said: “I think this has been the toughest year for our area that I can remember as an MP.

“There has been extreme stress caused by worrying about the pandemic, the large number of people in care homes locally, the many people who work in our local GP surgeries and hospitals, who have bee through the most unimaginable stress.

“I just felt it’s time we recognised, at the end of a very tough year, that in our community in south-west Surrey, there are some real heroes and heroines who have kept the wheels on the road and provided absolutely invaluable care to many, many local people.

“We are looking for people who have volunteered during the lockdown period, either as part of an existing charity or because they’ve set up a new organisation and made a difference.

“And I think as we go into winter, that help and assistance has made a difference to people in practical terms .

“It has helped people with their shopping or collecting prescriptions from the chemist, and also by supporting them emotionally, by giving them a phone call to check they are all right, and trying to deal with the other silent killer, which is loneliness.

“The truth is everyone has done a little bit, and I just want to recognise those people who have gone the extra mile, because I think it has been so important.

“I just want to put a smile on everyone’s face and actually remind people about some of the good things that have happened.

“I think seeing the way the community has come together in the face of such adversity has actually been a great cause of encouragement and hope.”

Joining Mr Hunt on the panel is Dr Chris Jagger (representing Godalming); Ann Downing, the chair of trustees at The Hunter Centre (representing Haslemere); and Herald editor Colin Channon (representing Farnham).

Colin said: “It’s great to be working alongside Jeremy and the other judges to recognise those who have done their bit for the local community.

“In the Herald, we have done our best to shed a light on all those who have gone the extra mile, particularly with our regular Helping Hand section.

“We hope this scheme could see those people formally nominated, and potentially be the recipient of the award, to help highlight some of the great work that has been done in our communities.”

The nomination process for the scheme is now open, welcoming nominees that highlight groups and individuals who have supported the community.

Nominations can be made using the online form at www.jeremyhunt.org/community-heroes, or by emailing [email protected] – just tell us who you would like to nominate and why (in no more than 100 words), and remember to include your name, address and contact number.

The following rules apply:

? No serving councillors to be nominated for a South West Surrey Community Award;

? Community groups whose membership includes a serving councillor are eligible;

? The judges’ decision is final and will be announced in January 2021.

For a full list of terms and conditions, see www.jeremyhunt.org/community-heroes

Nominations open until Friday, December 18, 2020.