Nominations for a new award to honour residents who have worked to keep their community safe are now open.

The Outstanding Contribution to Community Safety award, which was created by Essex Police and Crime Commisioner, Nick Alston, last week, aims to recognise individuals, volunteers and groups who have delivered a project or scheme to improve safety.

The overall winner and two runner-ups will be announced at the 2015 PCC annual conference in January.

The winner will receive £500 to invest into their work and both runner-ups will be awarded £250 each.

Nick Alston said: “As Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex it is my privilege to see first-hand many examples of excellence and innovation in community safety right across the voluntary, statutory and business sectors.

“I know how much talent and passion is out there in this area and how many unsung heroes are often quietly getting on with delivering amazing projects with little recognition.

“These contributions make an enormous difference to keeping our communities safe."

Nominations must be emailed to Essex Police before December 11.

Forms can be downloaded, here.