EVERY community has its young heroes whose good deeds go unsung. The British Red Cross wants your help to put that right.

We think young people who make the effort to help others should be celebrated and their achievements recognised. That’s why the Red Cross launched the Humanitarian Citizen Awards.

The awards are a celebration of our young people and the amazing things that they do.

You can help your local heroes gain the recognition they deserve by nominating them for a Humanitarian Citizen Award. They don’t need to have any connection with the Red Cross.

I am sure you know young people aged 25 or under who have made a difference to someone’s life or to the lives of the whole community. Be proud of them. Nominate them for the Red Cross Humanitarian Citizen Awards 2011.

There are four categories within the awards – first aid, fundraising, community action and volunteering. Nominations are open until July 8.

It’s easy to nominate your young heroes. Simply go to redcross.org.uk/hca, click on the Nominate Now button and follow the instructions on screen.

A couple of minutes of your time is all it takes to show them they are appreciated.

Sir Nick Young, Chief executive, British Red Cross.