We are proud to launch our first Health and Social Care Awards.

We want to recognise the talent and dedication of those heroes who work in the industry, particularly in this incredibly testing year.

The aim of the awards is to champion those teams and individuals that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to care for people during the Covid pandemic.

It could be a GP who went the extra mile, a care home worker who tackled the challenges presented by Covid head on, or a brilliant team that made a real difference to their community.

There are 12 categories - Health Care Team, Care Hero, Care Home Worker, Healthcare Employer, Domiciliary Care Worker, Good Nurse, Adolescent and Child Health Care, Dementia Carer, Volunteer of the Year, Unsung Hero in the Community, Mental Health and GP Practice of the Year.

Finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges and the winners will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony broadcast live on our Facebook page in May.

Andrew Colley, editor of the Bucks Free Press, said: “The people who work in the health and social care industry have always been an inspiration, not just during the pandemic, and these awards are our way of thanking them for their incredible dedication and skill.

“I would urge all of our readers to nominate an individual or team, to show them how much you appreciate everything they do. Or if you think you fit the bill, then you can nominate yourself.

“We’ll be profiling nominees in our newspapers and on our websites, to recognise their amazing work.”

Nominations are open now at bucksfreepress.co.uk/awards. You can make a nomination or nominate yourself.

Over the coming months, we’ll share your stories and host a very special awards ceremony to reveal the winners in each category.

Nominees should be happy to feature in the BFP and its website, and have their picture taken if required.

The awards are supported by BP Collins, Kidd Rapinet Solicitors and Dashwoods Chartered Certified Accountants.

If you would like to be a sponsor, email laura.francis@localiq.co.uk for more information.