IN October I have the great pleasure of hosting the 11th annual Pride of Britain Awards, sponsored by the Co-operative, on ITV1.

As your readers may know, it is an incredibly inspiring occasion where HRH Prince Charles and the Prime Minister join a star-studded audience to honour the nation's unsung heroes.

For me, it's the only TV awards show that really matters because the winners make our country a better place for us all. In these difficult times I believe it's more important that ever to celebrate the best of Britain.

But we need your help to find the people who put the Great into Britain so we can give them the recognition they deserve.

Do you know an unsung hero or heroine? Perhaps it's someone who has worked tirelessly to improve your community, a dedicated charity fundraiser or campaigner? Or a courageous child or adult, an exemplary teacher or careworker. Or a member of the armed forces or emergency services who put their lives at risk for others?

You can nominate your unsung hero for a Pride of Britain award by filling in a nomination form and posting it in boxes in Co-operative stores.

Or you can nominate by email: [email protected]">[email protected], online at http://www.prideofbritain.com">www.prideofbritain.com or in writing to Pride of Britain Awards, PO Box 4014, London, E14 5BF.

Nominations must be received by Friday August 7 to be considered by our panel of judges.

I know Pride of Britain 2009 will be another memorable night. But we need your readers help to make it so.

Carol Vordeman