The 'extraordinary efforts' made by individuals and organisations to help the Sidmouth community through the Covid pandemic are to be recognised in a new awards scheme.

The first Sustainable Sidmouth Champion Awards will celebrate those who have gone out of their way to offer help and support.

They're being organised by the Vision Group for Sidmouth, with the support of Plastic Warriors and the Town Council's environment committee.

The Vision Group's chair Peter Murphy said: "For our first ever Champions Awards, we are placing special emphasis on 'Pulling Through Lockdown', timed to coincide with the easing of restrictions.

"We are looking for nominations in three categories for people and organisations who deserve recognition for the extraordinary efforts they have made this year."

The Community Award focuses on how people have helped the community in some way during the last year - perhaps volunteers who have put themselves out, or businesses who have gone out of their way to serve the community.

The Resilience Award looks at how individuals, organisations and businesses have adapted to the unique challenges of the year and found innovative ways to keep going - for example, making better use of outdoor space to keep 'business nearly as usual', or recognising innovations that are worth retaining for the future.

The Sustainability Award seeks to recognise those who have made real efforts to 'green up' their practices and habits, for example by reducing plastic usage in favour of recyclable materials or working to improve the green environment.

Peter said: "We would like you to nominate an individual, a business or a group who you feel deserves recognition, to share this information, and to join us in congratulating all those who get nominated.

"We want your ideas, reflecting your experience, viewpoint and appreciation."

A panel of independent judges will be appointed to assess the entries later in the year, and an Awards Ceremony is planned for the autumn.

The venture has been made possible by a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, through the Transition Bounce Forward programme of the Transition Network.