The search is on to find Clackmannanshire's 10th Citizen of the Year, but time is running out for nominations.

Do you know someone who would be worthy of a nomination for the prestigious award? We are looking for a person who has done so much either in the past year or over many years to help out the local community, or has been there for others in times of need - there are so many people who would be excellent nominees.

The closing date for nominations for your choice to be in with a chance of winning the glittering civic accolade is Friday 18 January, with the winner due to be announced at the Clackmannanshire Awards Ceremony in Alloa Town Hall on 21 February.

And for the first time, the council will are also looking for a Young Citizen of the Year in a brand new category.

As the deadline approaches, the local authority is keen to give people a final opportunity to nominate individuals who have given their time and energy - on a voluntary basis - to benefit local communities and make life so much more comfortable.

Provost Tina Murphy said: "In my role as Provost I hear of lots of achievements and I am amazed at just how much of the preparation and support is provided by volunteers. I do hope that people will see the Citizen of the Year as an opportunity to highlight the efforts of those they come in contact with.

"I would urge them to nominate them. This is the 10th year of the award ceremony, so let us make it an extra special one.

"I'm also delighted that we have created a new category of Young Citizen of the Year, targeted specifically at people under the age of 25 years." The current Citizen of the Year is David Hunter who received the title in recognition of his decades of voluntary service to groups and organisations in Clackmannanshire.

Nominations are also still being sought in other categories in the Clackmannanshire Awards, which are run in conjunction with Clackmannanshire Sports Council. The council's staff awards will also be presented on the night.

The Sports Council Awards recognise outstanding ability, dedication and achievement in sport over the past year. An award for Services to Sport is also handed out to an individual who has given exceptional voluntary service over many years and made a difference to sport in Clackmannanshire.

There will be an award for Coach of the Year, in honour of Enid Barton who served the Sports Council for more than 20 years and continues to be an honorary member. Awards will also be given in the categories of: Junior Sports Personality of the Year; Senior Sports Personality of the Year; Team of the Year and School Team of the Year; and Triumph Over Adversity.

And for the second time, the Sports Council will also name a Young Volunteer of the Year in a category sponsored by Steven Campbell. This award is for any young person who is a Young Leader / Volunteer who is involved in any form of sport, exercise or physical activity.

Last year's winner was Alison MacFarlane from Alloa Academy.

Nomination forms for the three awards are available from all council offices. To nominate an individual or group for outstanding service to the community complete a form and return it to Provost Tina Murphy at Greenfield. You can also email nominations to the Provost at tmurphy@clacks.gov.uk or visit www.clacksweb.org.uk and complete an online nomination form.

Further information is available from: Eileen McKinsley, by calling 452011 or emailing emckinsley@clacks.gov.uk The closing date for nominations is 18 January 2013.