THE former Mayor of Test Valley has supported Andover’s annual search for unsung heroes.

Councillor Dorothy Baverstock has given her backing to the Pride of Andover Awards with a £200 donation from the Mayor’s Charity Community Chest.

During her year as mayor Cllr Baverstock promoted the importance of volunteers and has encouraged people to give up their spare time for their community.

The Pride of Andover Awards are run by a volunteer committee and highlight the good work done by people in the town and surrounding villages to inspire and support others.

Barbara Long, a member of the Pride of Andover Awards committee, said: “There are a lot of special people doing fantastic things in the background and the Pride of Andover Awards are a way we can say thank you for their hard work.

“Nominations can be for anyone who is an inspiration to others or who go the extra mile.”

The 2013 awards have just opened for nominations.

And this year there are 13 different categories, including local hero, teacher of the year and the young person of the year award.

To nominate an unsung hero, visit prideofandoverawards.

org.uk or call Barbara Long on 01264 354731 for a nomination form. The cut-off date is 31 July.