UNSUNG heroes from across the region will be celebrated as we launch our Pride of Gwent Awards.

Here's your chance to nominate those people who go the extra mile whatever life throws at them, from incredible fundraisers to people who care for the most vulnerable members of our society.

South Wales Argus editor Nicole Garnon said: "We are delighted to be able to launch these awards to recognise and reward the unsung heroes in our community.

"Last year we heard some amazing stories from our winners like that of Ron Jones who is the country's oldest poppy seller and Jackie Lewis of Newport who has raised tens of thousands of pounds for St David's Hospice.

"There are 15 awards that aim to reward and celebrate the efforts of people whose dedication and commitment make our communities tick."

The Pride of Gwent 999 Hero Award, sponsored by the police and crime commissioner and chief constable, is for a member of the emergency services who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in their work.

If you know someone who has saved a life then you can nominate them for the Pride of Gwent Life Saver Award, while the Pride of Gwent Good Samaritan Award is aimed at a person, or people, who came to the help of a complete stranger.

Sponsored by George Street Furnishers, the Pride of Gwent Courage Award will be awarded to a person who has shown immense courage in the face of danger or adversity, whether that’s battling a serious condition, surviving a traumatic event or just showing amazing courage in life.

The Pride of Gwent Charity Champion, sponsored by St John's College, is awarded to a person who has raised huge amounts of money for charity. Charitable organisations can be nominated for the Pride of Gwent Charity Award which is open to a charity that is base, or has a shop in Gwent.

Volunteers who go the extra mile should be nominated for a Pride of Gwent Volunteer Award. This award is for a person who has given up their time to help a charity, group or their community.

If you know a person who has made a real difference to their community then nominate them for the Pride of Gwent Community Hero Award, which is sponsored by Western Power Distribution.

If someone you know has achieved against the odds or beyond expectations then nominate them for a Pride of Gwent Achiever Award, which is sponsored by the Admiral Group.

Carers will be recognised by the Pride of Gwent Carer Award while the Pride of Gwent Local Hero Award, sponsored by Hughes Forest, will be awarded to someone who has made a significant contribution to their community.

Pride of Gwent for the Environment Award will go to a person or group of people who has made a significant contribution to the environment as a whole or in their local community, school or group.

Won by Auschwitz survivor Ron Jones in 2017, the Pride of Gwent Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to a person who has dedicated a lifetime to a cause.

The Pride of Gwent Special Recognition aims to recognise a person for achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, campaigners and members of armed forces.

The final award will be the overall Pride of Gwent Winner who will be chosen from the winners of the other categories.

To nominate for free visit southwalesargus.co.uk/prideofgwent. Nominations close at 5pm on February 16, 2018.