The Balham and Tooting Community Association (BATCA) has launched its annual Community Awards to honour volunteers in the area.

Nominations for the awards are made by the public and then assessed by a panel of independent judges.

For the first time this year the awards include a special category ‘Heroes for Health’ to recognise those who give exceptional service in the NHS or the wider community to support health and well-being.

The awards will be presented at a celebration evening in Tooting on March 21 which is open to all, with food and entertainment.

BATCA secretary Kate Allan said: "Now’s the time to get online and nominate your own local hero. The awards evening will be a fantastic event with our Tooting MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan and the Mayor of Wandsworth being amongst the award presenters. We welcome all to attend and celebrate the best of our community."

This is the seventh round of awards since the Balham and Tooting Community Association (BATCA) was established in 2006 to help Balham and Tooting’s communities come together and build trust and friendship.

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Winners from previous awards: (Image 1) Hilary Jennings 2015 winner, (Image 2) Bernadette Khan 2016 winner, (Image 3) Leader of Imam Hussein Blood Donation team 2016.

Award recipients come from all faiths and cultures. Examples of those honoured in the past included supporters of young people at risk in the Somali community, champions of BME women’s and LGBT rights, Nepal earthquake relief workers, children’s Saturday football organisers and even a friendly shopkeeper and cheerful milkman!

Tickets are free of charge, but must be booked, in advance at http://batca.org/community-heros/.

Nominations are welcomed for outstanding service in all fields of activity.and can be made up to March 6 on the BATCA website.