THE preparations for the next Provost's Awards are already underway, with next year's effort to have a taste of Hollywood.

With the event set to be themed on the Oscars and with the awards now in its sixth year, the search for the community champions of North Ayrshire is well and truly on.

Over the coming weeks members of the public will be asked to nominate the inspirational individuals they believe are deserving of one of the five awards and highlight the positive impact they have had on the lives of people living in the area.

The finalists will then be chosen by the Provost’s judging panel and invited to an exclusive Oscar’s themed charity gala dinner at Seamill Hydro on March 18, 2016.

The event will also raise funds for two charities: Cash for Kids, which provides support to the most vulnerable children within our communities, and The Ayrshire Hospice, which provides outstanding quality care and services to the community.

Previous Civic Pride charity dinners have raised a combined total of nearly £100,000 for charities and have been well supported by generous companies who have taken tables, donated prizes and sponsored awards. It’s hoped this enthusiasm will be repeated at the 2016 celebration event.

Provost Joan Sturgeon is now asking for local residents to get involved and help reward those people who continually improve the lives of others.

She said: “I’m delighted to launch the 2016 Civic Pride Awards which recognise and celebrate North Ayrshire’s unsung heroes.

“The Civic Pride Awards are considered to be ‘North Ayrshire’s Oscars’ and the theme gives us the perfect opportunity to reflect that. It gives residents the opportunity to celebrate the people who they know work tirelessly to better their local community.

"It gives us the chance to recognise their contribution to the area which can often go unnoticed. I’m looking forward to being able to identify another group of worthy winners at the 2016 special awards ceremony.”

Next week the nomination process will open and members of the public will be given the chance to put forward their local heroes, active community groups, considerate young citizens, aspiring sports athletes, talented artists and dedicated volunteers for one or more of the awards.

The categories are Community Group Award, Citizen of the Year Award, Young Citizen of the Year (Under 25 years) Award, Sports Award and Arts and Culture Award.

Local businesses and organisations who wish to book a table or donate a prize for the raffle should contact the council’s corporate communications team on 01294 324137.