IT will be one of the biggest gala nights East Lancashire has ever seen -- but time is running out for anyone who wants to submit nominations for our Pride of East Lancashire Awards.

There are just 12 days to the deadline so if you know of any individual or organisation worthy of these prestigious accolades you must act now.

We have received hundreds of nominations for influential local organisations and unsung heroes who act independently -- but we know there are many more out there.

The aim of the Pride of East Lancashire campaign has been to highlight our area's great achievers and their greatest achievements. Over the last few months we have highlighted the stories of many of the nominees for individual awards. But today we are making a final plea for readers to nominate their relatives, colleagues, friends, neighbours and themselves to be in with a chance of winning.

The 11 categories are Child of Courage, Outstanding Volunteer, Community Group, Neighbour of the Year, Community/Social Enterprise, Spirit of Sport, Outstanding Vocational Worker, Gift of Life, Grass Roots Champion and Readers' Choice.

All you have to do to nominate someone is select the most appropriate category and complete an online saying why that person or organisation should win.

A star-studded gala awards night will be held at King George's Hall, Blackburn, on Saturday November 22.

Individual winners will receive a £2,000 holiday and £1,000 in cash, as well as a winning trophy. Group winners will be presented with a cheque for £3,000 to spend on their project.

Two categories in particular where we particularly need more nominations are Outstanding Young Volunteer -- for youngsters aged 16 and under who have given their free time to help others -- and Community/Social Enterprise for non-profit making organisations which benefit socially excluded people within the community.

If there is someone you feel should have their hard work rewarded don't sit back and hope someone else has nominated them, pick up a pen and nominate them before September 30.