WHAT have you done today to make us feel proud?

Who makes you proud to live and work in Milton Keynes ?

And what about the things that make you feel proud of your street, school or workplace?

The Citizen, Milton Keynes Council and haart are launching Pride in Milton Keynes 2009 to focus on what is truly great about our city... its people.

Our campaign to honour our unsung heroes will focus on the positives and encourage all of us to take an even greater pride in the city.

We hope to highlight acts of courage and bravery, those who care for others way beyond what might be expected, the efforts made to make Milton Keynes a safer place to live and work, and neighbourly acts that make a difference.

The awards aim to salute the outstanding individuals and amazing organisations working so hard to make Milton Keynes a special place.

They might be unsung heroes or established stars in their specialised fields.

They might be young people making a difference with their energy and enthusiasm or people who have put in years of sterling service.

There are awards for individuals and groups, for people working in the public sector and for companies that play an important part in their community.

We know the judges will have a difficult job choosing from the many outstanding nominations they expect to receive – but we want you to make their job even harder.

You can nominate yourself or your organisation for one of the awards, or you can nominate somebody else – it's up to you.

The entry process is simple. All you have to do is click here to find out all about the categories, and to see what the judges will be looking for. Then go to the application form page where you can enter online. Please give the judges as much information as possible to help them make up their minds.

The awards will be presented at a gala event at the Hilton Doubletree Hotel at the Dons stadium on December 1.

It's sure to be a fantastic night celebrating all that's best about Milton Keynes , which will give some very special people and organisations a well-deserved pat on the back.

But we need your help to make that happen – so please take the time to send in your nominations. The closing date for entries is Friday, October 30.

Olga Norford

Editor of the MK Citizen - Citizen First