The founder of a community project and kind-hearted staff at a pub have been nominated as community champions during the pandemic - but do you also know someone who has gone the extra mile during these difficult times?

From collecting shopping and donations to running errands and raising money, the challenges of the last year have brought the very best out in certain people.

Individuals and groups have gone out of their way to help others, selflessly donating their time and energy to support friends and neighbours.

There are real heroes out there and we don't want their good deeds to go unnoticed.

In fact, we want to reward them by shining the spotlight on their acts of kindness.

First, we need your help.

Drop us a line below and tell us who you're nominating as a community champion.

Give us their name and tell us what they've done to help, support and inspire you and others.

Describe what makes them special and we'll showcase their wonderful efforts in our print and online editions.

If you have a picture, even better.

Send it to us using the link below.

Community answers

Who is your champion of the community?

"Who has gone the extra mile to help in the pandemic? What have they done to help, support and inspire others? Tell us about them"

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Anonymous

What is the name of the person you are nominating?Queen Victoria pub

What area/town do they live?Loughton

What have they done to help, support or inspire you or others in the pandemic?Donated food to local parents in need of school lunches and cooked meals for the homeless.

What makes them special?They donated packed lunches for the children during second lockdown and recently sent out cooked roast dinners to the homeless. The pub also refused any donations to enable them to do this.

Attach a photo of that person

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Food for homelessFood for homeless

From Community contributor

What is the name of the person you are nominating?Pesh Kapasiawala

What area/town do they live?Chigwell

What have they done to help, support or inspire you or others in the pandemic?Set up 3food4u and formed into a charity.

What makes them special?Working tirelessly to support families and vulnerable people during the pandemic. Working everyday to secure the food from food outlets and manufacturers and distribute to outlets across the district.

Attach a photo of that person

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Pesh KapasiawalaPesh Kapasiawala