People from Inverclyde are being invited to nominate their high street heroes for the 2024 Scotland Loves Local Awards.

The event, organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), rewards the hard work, determination, and innovation that keep communities thriving.

The national categories are Town of the Year, Most Enterprising Community, and Place Leader of the Year.

There will also be eight High Street Hero Awards presented, one in each of the Scottish Parliament electoral regions.

In Inverclyde, that will be West Scotland.

The awards will recognise a person or organisation who has gone above and beyond to support people and make their community a better place to live, work and visit.

Kimberley Guthrie, chief officer of STP, said: “There are people working tirelessly across Inverclyde whose desire to make a difference is driving a new future for their community.

“The Scotland Loves Local Awards are a chance to shine a spotlight on the determination and collaboration which really is improving lives in so many ways.”

Now in its fourth year, the award is spearheaded by STP and supported by the Scottish Government.

Technology solutions company Vicinity is sponsoring the Town of the Year category.

Henry Jinman, chief executive of Vicinity, said: "Our work gives us a fascinating insight into what makes places tick and we are delighted to work alongside STP to help foster a culture of innovation and collaboration in Scotland's Towns and Places.''

Awards nominations can be submitted at www.lovelocal.scot/awards until 5pm on August 23.

Finalists will be announced in September and winners will be revealed in October.

A celebration ceremony will be held at the Scotland’s Towns Conference in Perth on November 27.