THE CREWE Guardian has teamed up telecoms company, eZe-Talk, to find and reward people who go beyond the call of duty to make Crewe and Nantwich a better place to live.

We want your nominations for who should be crowned the Crewe and Nantwich Community Hero 2012.

Our hero could be a charity fundraiser, or help out with children’s activities. They might be a long-standing volunteer or do good deeds for their elderly neighbours. In fact, they could do anything at all that you think benefits the community.

Thanks to Crewe-based eZe-Talk, we have a brilliant prize on offer.

The winner of our Community Hero 2012 award will receive £500, and a further £500 will be donated to a charity of their choice. The person who nominates the winner will also receive £100.

Steve Walsh, managing director at eZe-Talk, said: “Since setting up in Crewe 12 years ago, commitment to the local area has been at the forefront of our business. There is a real sense of community pride in the area and we’re excited to be working alongside the Guardian to back this competition.”

Mike Taitt, eZe-Talk’s chief executive, added: “I’m looking forward to reading about the fantastic things people in this region do to make life better for others.”

Keith Morris, editor of the Crewe and Nantwich Guardian, said: “The Guardian prides itself on helping the community and I’m delighted that we have teamed up with eZe-Talk to try and find Crewe and Nantwich’s shining star.

“We know there are some fantastic people out there doing some great work in the town and it would be brilliant to see them officially recognised.”

We will be accepting nominations over the next four weeks, after which we will publish a shortlist of nominees picked by our judging panel.

Keith Morris and Steve Walsh from eZe-Talk will be joined on the judging panel by MP for Crewe and Nantwich Edward Timpson.

Mr Timpson said: “Competitions like these are great at highlighting the work of the many unsung heroes, who are the driving force behind the strong community spirit in our area. That’s why I’m pleased to be supporting this campaign and I’m looking forward to reading through all the entries.”

Steve and Mike set up eZe Talk in Crewe in 2000, and the company has steadily grown to become a business with a turnover of £4.2million, employing 50 staff.

The Community Hero Award coincides with the launch of eZe-talk’s special deal for Crewe and Nantwich residents and businesses, which offers visitors to their website www.creweandnantwichbroadband.com an additional 14.5 per cent off phone and broadband deals.

Nominating your Community Hero is simple.

Just write to the Crewe and Nantwich Guardian at 3-6 Theatre Court, London Road, Northwich, CW9 5HB, or email nominations to crewe@guardiangrp.co.uk Tell us your name, age, where you are from and who you are nominating.

Let us know why you think your nominee deserves the award. There is no word limit.

Good luck, and get nominating!