There’s a chance for Isle of Man residents to acknowledge their local heroes as nominations open for the 2015 Heroes in the Community Awards.

The awards celebrate ordinary local people who do extraordinary things, going above and beyond their duty in the Manx community, whether that is in their work or their spare time.

Michael Lees, chairman of Manx charity Dream Catcher which has hosted the event since 2009, said: “I like to think of the Heroes as the Isle of Man’s answer to the Oscars, recognising those unsung superstars who put on a dazzling performance day after day.

“It’s an opportunity to say thanks to those dedicated people who make the Isle of Man such a great community to live and work in, whilst also enjoying a fabulous show!”

Dream Catcher is inviting nominations for ten categories which are listed alongside the 2015 award sponsors below:

• First Names Heart of Gold
• Maitland Child of Courage
• Manx Radio Teacher of the Year
• Grandparent of the Year
• Parent of the Year
• Standard Bank Dedication to the Arts Over 18
• Steam Packet Dedication to the Arts Under 18
• Quinn Legal Dedication to Sport Over 18
• Citywing Dedication to Sport Under 18
• Celton Manx Dedication to the Community

The annual award ceremony is Dream Catcher’s main fundraiser, with last year‘s superhero-themed event raising in excess of ?18,000 for the charity.

All the funds from ticket sales and donations on the evening will be used to help local people, from providing much-needed items to other charities to supplying equipment for the disabled.

This year will see an Oscars-themed gala ceremony at the Empress Hotel on Saturday 14 November, with finalists, their guests and corporate parties invited to enjoy a champagne reception followed by a three-course meal and award presentation, with a local show band closing the evening.

Nomination forms can be picked up in any Shoprite store, from Manx Radio or downloaded from dreamcatcherappeal.im and must be returned to Dream Catcher before Saturday 3 October.

If you’d like to be on the red carpet, individual tickets, full tables and award sponsorship opportunities are still available and can be arranged by contacting Nicola on 682600 or emailing info@dreamcatcherappeal.im. 

Photo - Seven-year-old Cici Reed and her mother Alison collect the 2014 Heart of Gold Award from Celton Manx’s Bill Mummery.