KIND-HEARTED people who sacrifice their own time to help others have been nominated for a top award being handed out by the head of Essex’s police and fire service.

Police, fire and crime commissioner Roger Hirst is asking for people to vote for the finalists in his Community Safety Hero People’s Choice awards.

Amongst the nominees is Steve Wood who manages the SOS buses in Chelmsford and Colchester which helps vulnerable people who find themselves in difficulties while on a night out.

Mr Wood is also criminal justice and welfare manager for drug and alcohol charity Open Road, and works for the Essex Appropriate Adults Service and the Community Rehabilitation Company’s Women’s Project.

Throughout the four schemes, Mr Wood has helped hundreds of children who have been arrested, worked to ease the pressure on A&E departments and supported female offenders in their bid to get back into work after going through the court system.

Jo Roberts, CEO of the Wilderness Foundation based in Little Waltham has also been nominated.

The organisation has helped thousands of people turn their lives around by participating in trail experiences, one-on-one wilderness therapy, and other outdoor adventures.

The group works with vulnerable young people facing issues including substance abuse, underperformance at school and youth offending orders and aims to develop their confidence and self respect.

Mr Hirst will announce the winner of the award, which has four other nominees, at this annual conference at Boreham House in Chelmsford today.

The overall winner will receive £500 to go towards their work in the community.

Two other groups named as highly commended will receive £300 each.

There will also be a bonus £100 prize for the winners of a public voted called the People’s Choice Award.

Mr Hirst said he wanted to recognise people who help others.

He said: “Each and every day people across Essex go out of their way to make a positive contribution to their communities.

“Whether that is through supporting vulnerable people, helping to prevent crime or making our communities safe there are a lot of people going above and beyond to keep their communities safe.

“These awards help recognise those people by celebrating the contribution they make and supporting them in making a difference.”

To cast your vote visit essex.pfcc.police.uk/people-choice-2018.