WEE COUNTY residents are being urged to help recognise selfless volunteers as the Citizen of the Year Awards return.

Every year, Clackmannanshire Council seeks to highlight all those who roll up their sleeves for their communities.

Along with Citizen of the Year, officials will be once again be running the Young Citizen of the Year award to those under the age of 18 who have enriched the lives of others or who have been selfless in their actions.

This is the 16th year that the provost of Clackmannanshire will host the ceremony to recognise the dedication and commitment that local people make to help improve the quality of life throughout the county.

Caroline Crawford is the current Citizen of the Year, having been recognised for her work as part of Menstrie Community Council for more than 30 years.

And Shellby Burns was named last year's Young Citizen of the Year, for her contribution in leading a research-based campaign for So Precious, which provides care for premature babies and families affected by issues during childbirth.

Provost Tina Murphy said: "I know that there are many residents in Clackmannanshire who dedicate time and effort to make the lives of their fellow citizens better.

"I'm lucky enough to see some of this volunteering and its impact in the many events I am privileged to attend as provost.

"I also know that many of these volunteers carry out these tasks quietly and without asking for recognition or thanks. So I'd encourage everyone in Clackmannanshire to think about nominating these tireless workers to help us all give them a big thank you for everything that they do for all our communities.

"As 2018 was the Year of Young People, I'd also like to see the hard work that makes us so proud of our local people aged under 18 recognised, so please remember to think about nominating somebody for the Young Citizen of the Year.

"We would also welcome nominations for citizens that have perhaps been nominated, but have not won this prestigious award."

The winner of the award, which is sponsored by the Lord Lieutenant's Trust, will be announced at a ceremony on March 5.

Nomination forms are available on ClacksWeb with the closing date for nominations set for January 25.

Further information is available by calling 01259 450000 or by emailing membersservices@clacks.gov.uk

Visit clacks.gov.uk/community/cotyformto nominate someone online