​Chelsea Building Society is looking for the bravest people in the county.

The Cheltenham-based mutual is sponsoring Brave Heart Hero in this year’s Pride of Gloucestershire Community Awards.

The Citizen and its sister paper the Gloucestershire Echo have launched the hugely successful awards for the fourth year to honour the county’s unsung heroes, who make life worth living for others.

There are seven categories to choose from – Local Hero, Brave Heart Hero, Community Project, Caring Hero, Environmental Hero, Public Sector Hero, and, for the first time, Volunteer Hero.

A spokesman for Chelsea said: “We’re looking for Brave Heart Heroes for 2010. This special award will be given to an individual of any age who has responded to an immediate need and significantly affected the life or lives of others.

“It may be someone has rescued a person from a dangerous situation or shown immense courage to help another in difficulty.

“If anyone knows of someone who has shown tremendous heroism in an emergency or someone who has shown bravery in the face of adversity get nominating and we’ll show them how much we appreciate their courage and selflessness.”

A glitzy award ceremony will take place at Gloucester Rugby, Kingsholm, on June 25 when 2010’s winners will be announced.

Kirstie Aldridge was voted Brave Heart Hero in last year’s awards.

She was born with congenital dislocation of the hips and spent three years in a plaster cast and much of her childhood in a wheelchair.

Despite being told she may never walk, she defied doctors and is now on her feet and working in the pain clinic at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, where she received treatment.

The 29-year-old from Tuffley said: “I was very shocked when they told me I’d won. Doctors said I’d spend my lifetime in a wheelchair. It’s just great to prove them wrong.”

The deadline for nominations is March 19. Simply complete a nomination form which will appear in the paper everyday and send to Lynn Elson, 2 Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9QB.

Alternatively submit an online application by visiting www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/pride.