Monday 23 September 2024 Do you know a Christmas hero?

Kettering Town Council is looking for a local hero to help turn on this year's Christmas lights.

The council wants to hear from local people who have done something amazing for Kettering in the past year.

It could be someone who has helped children and young people, someone who has volunteered their time to give back to the community or someone who works tirelessly for others.

Nominations are now being accepted on the council's website – and people have until Sunday 20 October to submit their suggestions online.

The Mayor will then select the worthiest community champion to join him on stage at this year's event, which will be held on Thursday 28 November.

Mayor of Kettering, Cllr Craig Skinner, said: "This is a chance for someone who has been working hard to help improve Kettering get the recognition they deserve.

"We know there are so many unsung heroes out there doing great work and this is our way of saying thank you to them for all they do.

"If you know someone who deserves to be congratulated on what they do for their community then please get in touch."

The hero award for 2023 went to youngster Sebastian Nunney, aged six. He had been battling neuroblastoma for more than three years, and sadly passed away earlier this year. His family are now fundraising in his memory and organising The Seb Factor talent competition, with the winner getting a chance to perform at the Christmas lights switch on.

The other person selected was Kelly Mercer who runs the Highfield Barnes Community Centre, runs a foodbank, set up a low-cost costume hire service for children and raises money for lots of different good causes including arranging affordable holidays for children.

The nomination form is now live on the council's website: www.ketteringtowncouncil.gov.uk/christmas