As we continue to rebuild and recover from the coronavirus pandemic, we want to honour those who have gone above and beyond in the last 20 months.

We want to hail NHS staff, shop workers, volunteers and young people for their care and compassion in such unprecedented times.

With these awards, sponsored by Hilltop Honey, we also want to recognise the everyday heroes and those working in business, education and hospitality who have stepped up to the plate in the country's hour of need.

County Times editor Thom Kennedy said: "The community of Powys has come together like never before during the crisis we have experienced over the last two years.

“There have been so many stories of heroes from all walks of life – from our doctors, nurses and carers to the everyday heroes like our bus drivers, supermarket workers and binmen.

"The stories of everyday heroism run from the work of our doctors and nurses all the way down to the level of the doorstep, and we have heard wonderful tales of plus the young people, teachers and neighbours who have helped one another.

Llyn Clywedog, Cambrian mountains, Powys mid Wales. Norman Crisp.

“The County Times' Community Heroes Awards will recognise those people who have shown what the great communities around Powys are made of.

“We can’t wait to hear more about the inspiring people of Mid Wales who have shown such bravery, compassion and leadership in the last 20 months.

“We have been reporting on some of the amazing acts of compassion, bravery and ingenuity and it is only right that we recognise the brilliant people of this region.

“Please make sure you nominate anyone you think has gone above and beyond.”

To nominate a person or organisation, send a 200-word citation via the online form on the County Times website’s Community Heroes section saying why you think they deserve the award,along with your name, address and phone number.

All winners will receive a trophy and feature in our showcase Community Heroes supplement in February.

The closing date for entries is January 28.

All the awards up for grabs:

• Lockdown Award, sponsored by Nidec

Which person, team or organisation made an incredible difference to the people of Powys lockdowns. Tell us about their outstanding contribution during these unprecedented times.

• Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by Focus Newtown Enterprise Hub/Shared Spaces

Tell us about the person who makes a huge difference to our town’s communities, organisations or teams but who rarely gets a spot in the limelight.

• Courage Award, sponsored by Hughes Architects

Every year The Powys County Times runs stories telling of the heroism, courage or bravery of people from this town. But many others must go untold. Nominees could have performed a dramatic rescue or maybe they’ve overcome illness or injury to record inspiring achievements.

• Child of Courage Award, sponsored by Evabuild

We are searching for nominees who have shown immense courage in the face of adversity. Courage comes in different shapes – is it a child who has battled illness, performed an act of bravery or done something truly remarkable while up against the odds.

• Young Community Star, sponsored by NPTC Group of Colleges

Who are the unsung youngsters making a difference in our communities? It could be a remarkable community volunteer, a member of a club that has gone the extra mile, someone who has showed true kindness or immense bravery that has made a difference.

• Charity Champion, sponsored by CellPath

Charities local and nationally survive and thrive on the cash raised by big-hearted fundraisers. And they have really needed it in tough times during 2020/21. We don’t just want to hear who has raised the most, but how they have done it, what difference has it made and why it has inspired you.

• Young Sportsperson of the Year, sponsored by Liberty Furnishings

Which Powys sporting juniors have recorded the biggest achievement? In a town with so much talent we would expect a deluge of entries. Tell us who stands out? (Nominees must not have reached their 19th birthday by 31st October.

• Family of the Year, sponsored by Radnor Hills

Tell us about a family who has inspired you? It might be the way they have faced adversity, or their campaigning efforts in the community.

• Emergency Hero Award, sponsored by DC Auto Repairs

Every day 999 crews perform incredible work; and 2020/21 has seen them face extraordinary challenges. But whose work has gone above and beyond the call of duty? Share their amazing stories with us.

• Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Spilsbury Plumbing/SPH Electrical Group

This award recognises a person who has made the outstanding and lasting contribution to life in Powys.