Devon County Council

From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, May 02, 2008

COMMUNITY transport groups have just one week left to nominate who they think should be named Devon Community Transport Volunteer of the Year.

The awards, organised by Devon County Council, aim to recognise and raise awareness of volunteer work in the community transport sector and the deadline for nominations is Friday 9 May.

Anyone working voluntarily in the community transport sector can be nominated, and forms have been sent to groups working in various areas of rural and community transport right across Devon. Twelve finalists are selected to be invited, together with a guest, to an evening reception hosted by Devon County Council at Larkbeare House in Exeter on Friday 13 June. This year the awards are being sponsored by home meals service provider Oakhouse Foods.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "There's still time for community transport groups to nominate someone that they think deserves to be recognised with an award. It is a chance to say a small thank you for the hours of selfless dedication given by transport volunteers across Devon. They can make big difference in people's lives without asking for any reward, so these awards are a chance to show that their efforts are appreciated."

The Community Transport Volunteer Awards have been held annually by Devon County Council since 2000 to coincide with National Volunteer Week.

The person considered by the judges to have made an outstanding contribution to Voluntary and Community Transport is selected as the 'Volunteer of the Year'. All the finalists receive a commemorative gift, with an additional prize for the volunteer of the year.

Nomination forms are available online at: www.devon.gov.uk/community_transport or by calling the Devon County Council Community Transport Team on 01392 382123.

Notes for Editors:

Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384.