THE outstanding work and dedication of community groups in East Surrey is to be recognised again this year, in our Heart of the Community Awards.
The Surrey Mirror is again inviting worthy causes to enter the awards, for their chance to win a share of £20,000 to boost their project.
Redhill-based retirement firm Partnership is supporting the campaign to reward the hard work selfless volunteers and local community groups do every day.
Last year, Leatherhead Youth Project was awarded £1,000 towards their Dig It gardening scheme at a nearby allotment.
Andy Gill, community projects manager, said: "The money enabled us to work with about a dozen young people, running the allotment, learning all about from 'plough to plate'.
"Literally from the start of the season, the young people got the land ready and harvested it all in the autumn.
"The cash paid for seeds, and helped us buy equipment for the allotment. The storm in the winter blew down our greenhouse, so we had to buy a new one. It's really supported our project and made it happen."
He added he would "absolutely" recommend other organisations to enter the awards this year.
The nominated organisation which receives the most public votes will receive a top prize of £4,000, with second place getting £3,000, third place £2,000 and seven runners up receiving £1,000 each.
Partnership will also hand out two special awards of £2,000 each.
Leith Hill Action Group, which has been fighting oil drilling at the beauty spot for four years, won £2,500 in last year's awards to take their battle to the Court of Appeal.
Treasurer Alan Hustings said: "The prize we won tremendously helped directly by putting us within spitting distance of our target, and indirectly as it brought us a lot more publicity and support."
Other groups who secured funding in last year's awards include Girlguiding Surrey East, the Caterham Festival Committee, Redhill Corps of Drums and Band, and Reigate and Redhill Live at Home Scheme.
A Partnership spokesman said: "Heart of the Community is a tremendous opportunity for us to provide support to the wide range of projects and initiatives going on in the local area, which are helping to change people's lives for the better.
"By entering, not only can groups raise their profile and encourage local people to support their efforts, but also potentially receive a welcome financial boost."
Winners will not be revealed until the prize-giving evening later this year.
Visit www.surreymirror.co.uk/awards to enter by using an online form.
The closing date is August 10.
