AN AWARDS scheme is looking to recognise the best charities and volunteers who have made the most difference to the people of Oxfordshire over the past year.

Nominations have now been opened for the Oxfordshire Charity and Volunteer Awards 2018.

Sponsored by Activate Learning, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and National Citizens Service, anyone is able to nominate a person or group for the award.

In the volunteer category there will be special awards for the young volunteer of the year, a long service award and the overall best volunteer.

In the charity category, nominations are sought for best community project, an innovation award, best new group and lifetime achievement.

Further awards will recognise environmental work, working in partnership and the best group in each of the local authority areas of Oxfordshire.

Finally an Oxfordshire charity of the year will also be crowned.

Nominators are being advised to provide evidence and examples to show the impact of the person or charity they are nominating.

The awards are intended to recognise the significant contribution people and groups make to the county.

An independent panel of judges will select those who will receive the awards from those nominated.

To download a form go to ocva.org.uk and return it to awards@ocva.org.uk by 12pm on Tuesday, April, 10.