COUNTDOWN star Rachel Riley is urging Globe readers to nominate their local lockdown legends for this year's National Lottery Awards.

The annual search for the UK’s most popular National Lottery funded projects will, for the first time, honour individuals who have made an extraordinary impact in their community using National Lottery funding, especially those who have adapted during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Winners in each category will receive a £3,000 cash prize for their organisation and a coveted National Lottery Awards trophy.

The nomination deadline is next Wednesday, August 19.

Rachel is encouraging the people of The Wirral to make their nominations before the closing date.

Rachel said: "Thanks to National Lottery players, some £600million has gone to support communities in the crisis.

"But this year we want to honour the people within those projects who adapted so quickly and gave extra help.

"The awards are a great way to celebrate positivity when there’s such a lot of negativity out there.

"It’s a real chance to say thank you." 

The awards aim to recognise outstanding individuals in the following sectors:

  • Arts
  • Education
  • Health
  • Environment
  • Sport
  • Heritage
  • Community
  • Charity

There will be a special Young Hero Award for someone under the age of 18 who has gone that extra mile in their organisation.

All nominees must work or act for a National Lottery funded organisation or have received National Lottery funding.

To make your nomination for this year’s National Lottery Awards, tweet @LottoGoodCauses with your suggestions or complete an entry form through our website https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards .

Entries must be received by midnight next Wednesday, August 19.