ORDINARY people, extraordinary acts.

Those who have gone above and beyond to help someone in need are to be recognised at the 2017 Daily Echo Local Hero Awards.

Our campaign, which was first launched in 2016, gives readers the chance to nominate local unsung heroes for a special award.

Heroes can appear in many forms. It could be through a single act such as rescuing someone from a dangerous situation without a thought for their own safety to a lifetime of commitment to volunteer work.

But many of these individuals don’t receive the recognition they deserve, which is why the Daily Echo is once again organising the Local Hero Awards.

We have received hundreds of nominations from our readers this year, recognising many worthy causes across nine categories including the Emergency Services Awards, Contributor to Local Sport, Charity Fundraiser, Bravery Award, Community Hero Award, Achievement Award, Animal Champion Award and Carer Award.

All those shortlisted for the awards by our two independent judges - Jackie Phillipson, founder of Route PR, and Nigel Price, chairman of Goadsby estate agents - will be attending a special gala evening where the winners will be announced and trophies presented.

The event, which includes a canapes and drinks reception, is to be hosted by Daily Echo editor Andy Martin at the Miramar Hotel on Thursday, June 22.

Angela Boyer, the Daily Echo's sales and events manager, said: "We appreciate that many of these ‘heroes’ don’t do what they do for recognition – however, recognition is what they deserve, so don’t hesitate in telling us their stories."

:: A full list of all the winners will appear in our special supplement on Tuesday, June 27.