THE Gazette is working with the county council and commercial sponsors to find the unsung heroes of the county who do quietly and have their own remarkable stories to tell.

If you know someone who looks after an elderly neighbour, a youngster who organises events for charity in his or her neighbourhood, or a local company that really takes care of its workforce, then we want to hear from you.

The People of Wiltshire Awards, the first countywide scheme to honour the achievements of local people, is being co-ordinated by the county council in partnership with Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce, Wiltshire Constabulary, Wiltshire Health Authority, Wiltshire Fire Brigade, Agenda 21, Community First, the four district councils and Swindon Borough Council.

There are six categories: youth award, carer in the community, environment award, employer of the year, sporting success and good neighbour.

All category winners will be awarded £500 each, thanks to sponsorship from the Nationwide Building Society, Virgin Mobile, the Orders of St John Care Trust, Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire, Hills Waste and Persimmon Homes.

Over coming weeks we will be focusing on each of the categories. This week we look at the youth award and good neighbour award.

The Nationwide Building Society is sponsoring the youth award, as it fits in well with its own national award scheme, the Nationwide Awards for Voluntary Endeavour.

Michelle Leighton, of Nationwide, said: "We are looking for someone up to the age of 18 who has made a real impact on the street or area where they live.

"Perhaps they will have got things moving with the council on a project for young people in their area, where youth has done badly but they have managed to turn it around.

"Or it could be a young person who has been poorly but overcome their illness to achieve in sport or the academic world.

"It might be an act of bravery. It is extraordinary the things young people will do without any thought for themselves.

"We would very much like to hear of any acts of selflessness undertaken by young people. I'm sure there are lots in Wiltshire."

The Good Neighbour award is being sponsored by Virgin Mobile and is looking for prime examples of good citizenship.

This award will recognise an individual who demonstrates good community spirit, outstanding service and goodwill to others within their local community.

Lisa Cogdell-Brown from Virgin Mobile said: "We have 1,400 employees in the area and we have always been committed to supporting the community, so sponsoring the Good Neighbour Award made perfect sense for us.

"We are looking for someone really exceptional.

"We realise that there is so much support within the community for the community and we would like to see the award go to someone whose story sums up that spirit of selflessness."

As well as the £500 cash, the category winners will receive a trophy at a mini-Oscars evening at Devizes Corn Exchange on May 20.

Nominations have already been flooding into County Hall. To vote, fill in the form or look up www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk to vote online.

Forms as well as further information on the awards, are available from libraries, doctors' surgeries and district council offices.