From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, May 09, 2007

COMMUNITY groups are being reminded that nominations for the Devon Community Transport Volunteer Awards must be submitted by this Friday. (11 May)

The awards aim to recognise and raise awareness of volunteer work in the community transport sector. They have been held annually by Devon County Council since 2000 to coincide with National Volunteer Week.

Last year's winner was George Yates, from Braunton, who has given 17 years service to the Braunton and District Volunteer Bureau as driver and committee member. George was nominated by colleagues for working "tirelessly over a very considerable number of years for the local community".

Anyone working voluntarily in the community transport sector can be nominated, and forms are 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 the chairman of Devon County Council Councillor Des Shadrick.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "The award scheme is just one small way in which to recognise the big difference these dedicated transport volunteers can make to people's lives. Their work often goes unrewarded but it often allows others to live a full life and gives them vital social contact."

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 finalists receive a commemorative gift, with an additional prize for the volunteer of the year.

Nomination forms are available to download by logging on to www.devon.gov.uk/community_transport . The award ceremony will be held on Friday 1 June.

Notes for Editors:

Councillor Margaret Rogers 01297 680384.