The search is on for Southend’s unsung heroes!

The Council is asking residents to nominate fellow citizens who make a positive contribution to life in Southend as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

A panel of judges will select the 60 most deserving nominees who will become Southend's 'Diamond Jubilee Community Champions'.

Each of the champions will then be invited - along with their chosen partner - to a special community celebration being held on Wednesday 29th August.

Nominees will ideally be people whose good deeds haven't previously been acknowledged publicly or have gone largely unnoticed by their neighbours and friends.

They might be unsung community volunteers who give up their time to clear up litter - or helpful neighbours who offer to go to the shops for elderly residents during bad weather.

Or they might be young children who show a maturity well beyond their years by acting as carers for their siblings, parents or grandparents.

Any resident of the borough who goes the extra mile to help their family, friends or the community of Southend at large will be considered by the judging panel.

Residents already nominated include:

• A 24-year-old unemployed single mum who carries out more than 40 hours volunteering a week
• A 92-year-old woman who spent 26 years as a Samaritan and still works as a volunteer helper in a charity shop and
• A 42-year-old man who runs a project which has provided food parcels for more than 30 needy families in the borough

The successful nominees will be presented with commemorative certificates at the celebration event by The Worshipful the Mayor of Southend, Councillor Sally Carr.

Southend Youth Mayor Zeeshan Mitha and his Deputy, Martin Skam, will also attend the event, which is being held at Saxon Hall in Aviation Way, Southend.

Derek Jarvis, Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, said: "I urge residents to nominate people in their local communities who really make a difference to the quality of life in the town.

"It doesn't matter whether they're young or old, male or female - we want to know who they are why you think they deserve recognition."

You can nominate an unsung hero online by going to www.southend.gov.uk/jubilee and fill in a simple form which will enable you to give a few details about your nominee.

Alternatively, pick up a printed nomination form at any branch or mobile library in the town. Completed forms can also be returned through all libraries.

The closing date for nominations is 7.00pm on Monday 30th July, 2012. Terms and conditions apply. Please see the website or the printed nomination form for full details.