The national awards run by the Daily Mirror to celebrate the best of community spirit in Britain will close entries in a week.

The Pride of Britain Awards this year expect to be especially significant as the ceremony honours people who have gone above and beyond to help others during the Covid-19 lockdown. It will also include those who have demonstrated bravery or selflessness unrelated to the pandemic.

Categories for this year include an Emergency Services Award for ambulance workers, police and fire services who have gone beyond the call of duty, Charity Fundraiser of the Year, and Child/ Teenager of Courage Award.

“This year’s awards will be especially moving, as the coronavirus lockdown has seen people up and down the country going out of their way to help others during an incredibly stressful time,” the paper said.

From volunteers to thoughtful neighbours, thousands of people have stepped up to help their communities, organisers added.

Colonel Tom Moore, the centenarian army veteran whose fundraising walk raised £32million for the NHS, has already been honoured with a Mirror Pride of Britain Award.

Sir Tom (pictured above) is the only Pride of Britain winner to have been revealed so far. He was told of the news on Good Morning Britain by awards presenter Carol Vorderman in April.

Last year, the awards ceremony run by the Mirror celebrated 20 years since its launch. Winners will be announced in the autumn with the ceremony televised on ITV.  

Entries can be submitted here until midnight on Friday 28 August.