NOMINATIONS are open to find Wareham’s Volunteer of the Year.

The award is presented each year by the town council, which is now urging people to submit nominations for the 2023 honour.

Data from the Centre of Economics and Business Research put the estimated value of voluntary work to the UK economy at £18.7bn each year.

And Wareham Town Council said it is proud to have a long tradition of celebrating volunteers and recently launched its annual search for the Volunteer of the Year, honouring a person or organisation for their dedication and service to the town community.

Nominations are being sought from local groups and societies, and members of the public who want to recognise those who give their time freely to help and support others.

Previous nominations have included people who work with younger children, the elderly, and the sick; who have initiated or assisted with community projects and delivered events to the town; and those who made a worthwhile contribution to the cultural, social, and educational wellbeing of Wareham.

Mayor of Wareham, Councillor Carol Turner, said: “The Volunteer of the Year Award is a much-anticipated event in the council’s calendar and gives us a chance to see the diversity of volunteering activity in the town.

“Without the support of volunteers many of the activities and services that keep the community going would not be possible.

“We are always impressed and gratified by the number of people who work selflessly for the benefit of others, and I would encourage people to nominate their choice.”

The winner, selected by a panel of councillors, will be awarded at a ceremony at the Town Hall in December.

Nomination forms are available by email, by contacting office@wareham-tc.gov.uk, form the town council offices at the Town Hall, in East Street, or downloaded from www.wareham-tc.gov.uk.

Nominations close at 1pm on Friday, November 17.