AWARDS that recognise inspirational members of the community are celebrating ten years of success.

The Citizens of Southend Award will mark the milestone with a host of the changes to the scheme to benefit the residents who go above and beyond for the borough.

Winners will be decided by an impressive panel of judges - including former Tory MP Sir Teddy Taylor. Andrew Renton, the operation director for the Stockvale group, which owns and manages Adventure Island, and Dawn Jeakings, manager of the Royals shopping centre, have also been named as judges this year.

Philip Miller, Chairman of Citizen of Southend Award said: “A decade on, I feel so proud of these awards and what they have achieved. Set up purely to celebrate all the community work that takes place within Southend, and offer those devoted people a token of our gratitude.

“I am constantly amazed at the dedication of all the people that have been nominated over the years, and that’s a fair few! This year will be an extra special year, with the Hero award and the new prize changes.”

The Gold, Silver, Bronze, and the recently added Youth awards will remain the same as past years - but the prizes will be doubled up, with half of the money going to charity.

The winner of the Gold award will be presented with a personalised trophy and a £1,000 cash prize - with £500 going to charity and £500 directly to the winner).

The winner of the Silver award will also receive a trophy and a £500 cash prize.

Nominees will be judged for showing courage and bravery,their contributions to the community, leading community projects, helping care for the disadvantaged and other outstanding achievements.

There will also be a special award to celebrate the landmark anniversary of the scheme. The Hero award will go to an individual who has shown an act of heroism, bravery and courageousness.

All nominations can be made by June 30 at citizenofsouthend.co.uk