It's been over 10 years since the last Stockport wide Volunteer Awards Celebration. So Stockport Volunteer Hub, Stockport County FC Community Trust, Marketing Stockport, Stockport Council and a whole array of amazing sponsors are working together to deliver a celebration worthy of those who dedicate their time to helping others.

Nominations are now open with ten categories to choose from including Long Service Award, Good Neighbour Award, Unsung Hero Award and more with categories chosen to reflect the many different forms of volunteering. Many people are volunteers and don’t even realise it. Whether it's a neighbour who lends a helping hand, a friend who spreads joy with small acts of kindness, or a community leader who inspires positive change, we want to hear about them!

Shortlisted nominees will be invited to the Awards at Edgeley Park, Tuesday 21 May at 6.30pm, where they’ll enjoy a two-course sit down meal, entertainment and of course the chance to win an Award! All shortlisted nominees will receive two free cinema tickets, courtesy of The Light Cinema, as well as a welcome drink courtesy of musicMagpie.

Over 57,000 volunteers in Stockport give their time (a combined total of 213,000 hours a week) to helping others. This equates to an incredible £105 million a year. Without this workforce many community groups, charities and voluntary organisations would cease to exist. So volunteers play a vital part in looking after our neighbourhoods, friends and families.

So if you know someone who has put a smile on your face by doing a good deed, nominate them for a Stockport Rocks Award!