The Community Champion of the Year award will go to an individual or organisation that has “made a positive, lasting difference in their community”, according to category judge Denise Hone, senior stakeholder manager at award sponsor RWE.

Recognising the people making a real effort towards building a greener future is more important now than it ever has been, and Mrs Hone said that a variety of forms of community work will be acknowledged in this category, including “volunteering hours, sustainable venues” and more.

She also said that “sustained effort, leadership, and inspiring, encouraging inclusivity, with some real-life examples” will be key.

An increasing number of businesses are embracing the need to connect with local people, and Mrs Hone noted that “community engagement not only helps the business in question but creates opportunities for locals and other businesses to grow, boosting local........

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