AN award scheme to celebrate the achievements of Wiltshire's unsung heroes is being launched today.

It is the second time the People of Wiltshire Awards are being held in the county.

Last year's Carer in the Community award went to Mary Lowe for her work with the support group Stepping Forward, which helps young people at risk from drugs.

She said the awards were a fantastic way of recognising people's contributions to their community and was pleased to have won hers.

She said: "I was really shocked when I found out I had won. A couple of ladies from Upham Road Church nominated me and they came to the awards ceremony with me.

"It was a lovely evening at the Corn Exchange in Devizes. It was really fancy, a bit like the Oscars.''

Mary set up Stepping Forward six years ago after her son became addicted to heroin to prevent other youngsters ending up in the same situation.

And she is no stranger to accolades as she also won a Spirit of Swindon prize in July 2001, organised by the Evening Advertiser.

The 48-year-old added: "I like to make a difference, it makes it worthwhile."

There are six different award categories that recognise and celebrate good citizenship and community involvement across Wiltshire and Swindon.

These are the Youth Award, Carer in the Community, Good Neighbour, Environment Award, Employer of the Year and Sporting Success.

People are being asked to nominate individuals, local organisations and businesses they believe make Wiltshire special.

The awards are being run by Wiltshire County Council in partnership with Newsquest Wiltshire, Wiltshire Consta-bulary, Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce, Wiltshire Health Authority, Wiltshire Fire Brigade, Wiltshire and Swindon Sports Partnership, Agenda 21 and CSV.

Wiltshire County Council chairwoman Carole Soden said: "The People of Wiltshire Awards are chosen by the people, for the people of Wiltshire.

"We want you to nominate the people you think should have their contribution to the community recognised."

The winners will be awarded £500 and presented with a trophy at an awards evening at Neeld Hall, Chippenham on Monday, June 30.

The employer of the year will receive £500 worth of advertising in a Newsquest publication of their choice.

Nomination forms are available throughout Wiltshire in libraries, doctor's surgeries, pharmacies, opticians, dentists, youth centres and leisure centres.

Forms are also available online at www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk and www.bbc.co.uk/Wiltshire as well as in all Newsquest papers.