Local nominations sought for humanitarian awards

The awards are open to an individual or group that has improved, saved or enriched the lives of others via charity work or volunteering to help others.

The winner will scoop the equivalent of 1759 guineas – the figure comes from the year Burns was born – which in today’s money is £1848.70.

Last year’s winner was Scottish aid worker Linda Norgrove, who died on duty in Afghanistan.

David Anderson, chief executive of South Ayrshire council and chairman of the 2012 judging panel, said: “This award recognises those who go above and beyond the call of duty to help others and have an affinity with their fellow human beings, just like Burns himself.”

Paul Bush OBE, of EventScotland, added: “It’s a celebration of those whose tremendous community work often goes unrecognised.”

Nominations close on November 4. See www.robertburnsaward.com