RESIDENTS are being invited to nominate a person or group that they feel has made an outstanding contribution to life in Barnet for the council’s civic awards.

It will be the 12th annual awards by the authority and it is an opportunity for the borough to officially recognise the commitment and hard work of those who strive to make a positive difference to the lives of others.

A potential nominee could be someone who deserves some recognition, works tirelessly for little or no reward or somebody who gives up their free time to volunteer for a good cause.

Prem Patel received a civic award with his colleague Dr Mahesh Varsani in 2011 for their voluntary work with the Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Golders Green. He said: “Year after year these awards bring a moment of happiness not only to the recipients and their colleagues and friends, but I hope also to the wider community.

“When Mahesh and I received a civic award earlier this year it certainly brought a proud smile to the members of the Shree Swaminarayan Temple who were the real recipients.”

Mayor of Barnet Lisa Rutter said: “Once again this is a perfect opportunity for us to say thank you to those who contribute so much to life in the borough.

“It’s tremendously important that we continue to give nominees the public recognition they deserve.”

All nominees will receive a certificate and those deemed to have made the greatest contribution will be presented with a framed vellum by the mayor at an awards ceremony due to take place in March.

To be eligible nominees should live or work in Barnet and must not be a Barnet councillor or previous winner.

The deadline for applications for the 2012 awards is December 31.

Nomination forms are available from Hendon Town Hall, The Burroughs, any of Barnet’s libraries and the North London Business Park reception. The form can also be downloaded from www.barnet.gov.uk/civic-awards