PEOPLE across Dorset are being urged to honour ‘ordinary’ friends and neighbours who do extraordinary things by nominating them for a new national award.

The British Citizen Awards (BCA) recognises individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact.

Launched in January, almost 60 people have been honoured so far at two prestigious ceremonies hosted by Baroness Wilcox at the Palace of Westminster.

Previous medallists include 86-year-old George Geraghty of Halstock, who was given the award for his dedication to his Pot Luck Lunch scheme and diabetes sufferer Shane Board, who devotes his time to raising awareness about the illness.

Nominations are currently being accepted for the next round of medal presentations, which will take place in January 2016, again at the Palace of Westminster. 

All BCA recipients receive a Medal of Honour, inscribed with the words 'For the Good of the Country'.
Medallists are also invited to use the initials BCA after their name.

The British Citizen Awards were launched to honour the incredible accomplishments of individuals in society who positively impact their communities. In a similar way to the Queen’s Honours, BCAs are awarded twice annually. But unlike the traditional honours, which are often given to celebrities and high-profile figures, BCAs are given to ‘everyday’ people whose achievements may otherwise be overlooked.

Those receiving medals on July 9 spanned the generations, with the youngest, Patsy Elliott, aged just 16 and the oldest attending the ceremony, Maureen Brass – who will celebrate her 100th birthday later this month. Patsy was honoured after overcoming several years of bullying to go on to raising money for the charity that helped change her life. Miss Brass’ dedication to nurturing musical talent in young children for more than 40 years saw her receive her award.

Mike Faulkner, co-founder of the awards, said: “Our award ceremonies in January and July were a phenomenal success, with recipients ranging in age from 16 to 100 years old. It was fantastic to give BCAs to individuals who were simply remarkable human beings. We look forward to honouring more exceptional people within our communities during this next round of awards.”

Nominations from all corners of the UK, all cultural backgrounds and from all sectors of the community are being welcomed until the closing deadline on 30th October 2015.

Mike added: “There are literally thousands of people across the UK making life better for others, and until now with no formal recognition open to them.

“This programme, which many see as an alternative Honours system, has been created to enable every individual across the country to nominate someone who they feel deserves to be recognised.

"We have nothing but respect for the Honours system but believe that a more accessible recognition programme is long overdue.”

Basil Preuveneers, co-found of the awards, said: “It is remarkable how many people are positively impacting the lives of those around them without reward or recognition, and it’s fantastic that we can now celebrate them.”

The awards have attracted support from several high-profile ambassadors, including Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, actress and former EastEnders star Brooke Kinsella, and former High Court judge, Dame Linda Dobbs DBE.

Sarah, Duchess of York said: “The greatest kindness you can afford to give someone is to listen and it is with great pleasure that I have found the British Citizen Awards. This organisation listens to the citizens of this great country and not only hears the stories but rewards monumental efforts that would have otherwise gone relatively unnoticed.”

To nominate, email nominations@britishcitizenawards.co.uk to request a nomination form, or visit britishcitizenawards.co.uk to find out more. Nominations close on 
October 30.