MALDON Town Council has officially opened nominations for the 2026 Maldon Town Community Awards.

These awards recognise the efforts of individuals and groups who contribute to the town of Maldon and for the enormous amount of work and voluntary assistance that is undertaken within the Community.

This year, the Community Awards will be sponsored by local business, Maldon Salt Ltd.

Town Mayor Cllr John Driver said: "Our annual community awards offer an ideal opportunity to recognise those who have made exceptional contributions to our town. We are delighted to partner with Maldon Salt Ltd, a leading Maldon-based business, as our sponsor for this year's community awards.

"We invite residents to nominate individuals of all ages who deserve recognition for extraordinary kindness, personal resilience, or impactful community work.

"We look forward to receiving your nominations."

Robert La Francesca, Commercial Director of Maldon Salt Ltd added: "As a business rooted in Maldon since 1882, we are proud to support the Community Awards and recognise the outstanding individuals who consistently go above and beyond in service to our community."

Nominations are sought in the following 10 award categories:

• Art, Culture & Heritage Award - for an individual or group using arts and culture to help make a difference in the Maldon community.

• Best Business Contribution - for a business that makes a significant contribution to a Maldon community.

• Carer of the Year - for an individual carer in Maldon who has gone beyond the call of duty, including Young Carers.

• Citizen of the Year - for an individual whose selfless efforts have left a lasting impression on the lives of others, and who has made a significant contribution to improving life in Maldon.

• Community Impact - for charitable work of an organisation, individual, or group, that has made a dramatic impact on the lives of those within Maldon.

• Educator of the Year - for a person whose teaching, leadership or mentoring has inspired others to achieve more in their education and career. We are looking for either an individual or organisation that has made a real difference in their students' lives.

• Long Service Volunteer - for an individual who has been involved as a volunteer for upwards of 5 years within Maldon.

• Sporting Volunteer - for an individual who volunteers hours of their time inspiring others and improving health and wellbeing in the community through sport activities.

• Young Achiever of the Year - for a young person (aged under 21) who has contributed significantly to life in Maldon and who has shown commitment to their local community.

• The Town Mayor's Award for Community Service - this special award recognises the work of an individual or organisation that makes an outstanding contribution to life in Maldon.

Judges will be looking for an ambassador of the town whose contribution to our local area improves life for residents and visitors, and whose commitment is outstanding. Individuals, groups, charities, sports and social clubs, community associations, associations supporting people with disabilities, churches, schools, youth organisations, and other community groups, are all eligible and welcome to submit nominations.

The Town Mayor, Council representatives and sponsor Maldon Salt Ltd will meet to consider all nominations and choose worthy ambassadors for the town whose contribution to Maldon improves life for residents and visitors and whose commitment is outstanding.

A presentation evening will be held on Monday, 30 March at Maldon Town Hall after the Annual Town Meeting, to which everyone is invited.

The deadline for nominations for the Community Awards is Friday 6 March. Nomination forms are available on the Town Council's website www.maldontowncouncil.gov.uk/community-awards and paper forms are available from Maldon Town Council's offices at the Town Hall on Market Hill.

For any enquiries, telephone 01621 857373 or email [email protected].